EDGAR ALLAN POE, THE MAN, AMERICAN WRITER (January 19th, 1809-October 7th, 1849)


  • Born in Boston, Massachusetts to traveling stage actors David Poe, Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins
  • Siblings: Henry (two years older) and Rosalie (about two years younger)
  • Mother dies in 1811 in Richmond, VA; cause of death is believed to be pneumonia though there are unfounded suggestions that she died of tuberculosis (According to wikipedia, it's a common and often deadly infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit.)
  • Father dies mysteriously a few days after his mother's death.
  • 1811 (Dec. 26) - The orphaned Edgar is taken into the home of John and Frances Allan of Richmond. His sister, Rosalie, is taken in by Mr. and Mrs. William Mackenzie, also of Richmond. His brother, Henry, remains in Baltimore with his grandparents.
  • 1812 (Jan. 7) - Poe is baptized by the Reverend John Buchanan and christened as “Edgar Allan Poe,” with the Allans presumably as godparents.
  • 1815-The Allans move to England.
  • 1820-The Allans return to America, specifically Richmond, VA
  • 1824-Poe enlists in the Richmond Junior Volunteers and becomes lieutenant
  • 1825-John Allan (his adopted father) inherits a fortune from his uncle.
  • 1826-Poe begins University of Virginia and starts to incur gambling debts of $2,000
  • 1827-Poe enlists in the U.S. Army
  • 1827-Poe's first book of poetry is published in Boston and doesn't sell more than 50 copies
  • 1829-Poe is promoted to Sergeant-Major
  • 1829-Poe's adopted mother dies
  • 1829-Poe is released from the army and applies to an appointment at West Point
  • 1829-Poe's second book of poetry is published
  • 1830-Poe enters West Point
  • 1831-Poe refuses to attend class or attend church at West Point. He is soon dismissed.
  • 1831-Poe publishes more poetry and short stories. His stories are published without his name. He enters contests of which he does not win.
  • 1831-Poe's older brother (Henry) dies, probably of tuberculosis
  • 1833-Poe wins a $50 prize for his writing
  • 1834-Poe's adopted father dies in Richmond, VA. Poe's name is omitted from the will. He inherits nothing from the large estate.
  • 1835-Poe moves to Richmond and becomes editor of a popular magazine. He receives praise and criticism for his commentaries. He prints his poetry and stories in the magazine.
  • 1836-Edgar (at age 27) marries Virginia (age 13).
  • 1837-Poe and his family leave the magazine and move to NY.
  • 1838-39-Poe publishes two books. Poe and his family to Philadelphia.
  • 1839-Poe becomes an editor of another magazine in PA
  • 1841-Poe writes and publishes "Murders in the Rue Morgue," the first modern detective story. It appears in a magazine. During Poe's tenure at this magazine ("Graham's Magazine"), the popularity increased 6x over, making it the most popular periodical of its day.
  • 1842-43-Poe writes, publishes and enters contests (some of which he wins)
  • 1844-Poe and his family move to NY and he joins the staff of "Evening Mirror." His most famous poem, "The Raven," is published in this magazine. It brings Poe considerable praise and fame.
  • 1845-Poe becomes an editor and soon has full control of the magazine, Broadway Journal. In 1846, due to financial troubles, the magazine ceases.
  • 1847-Poe's wife, Virginia, dies of tuberculosis in Fordham, NY
  • 1848-Poe courts widow/poetess, Sarah Whitman. Mrs. Whitman is worried about Poe's drinking. Poe secures a marriage proposal. Poe pledges to stop drinking. Poe fails on this account, and Mrs. Whitman calls off the engagement.
  • Poe tours and tries to raise support for his proposed magazine, The Stylus
  • 1849-Poe courts his old, youthful romance with Elmira Shelton, and she accepts his marriage proposal. He joins the Sons of Temperance to curb his drinking problem.
  • 1849-Poe dies in Baltimore. Much more of his poetry/stories are published posthumously.

    *Source: Chronology of the Life of Edgar Allan Poe (http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poechron.htm)