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The second son of third generation Irish-American, David Poe and his English immigrant wife, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, Edgar Poe was born into poverty on January 19, 1809 at 33 Hollis Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The couple's first child Henry was born in 1807 and sent almost immediately to live with his paternal grandparents in Baltimore due to his parents' impoverished lifestyle. At the time of his birth both Edgar's parents were working as struggling actors. His father David had grown up in Baltimore, Maryland and had been attending law school but chose to pursue acting much to the disappointment of his parents. While Edgar was still a toddler the Poe family traveled the east coast acting in small billings. Edgar continued to be raised in poverty. In the summer of 1809 the Poe's traveled to New York City where David either died or abandoned his family. His death can't be certain as his body was never found. Most historians believe the later. Elizabeth continued to act and she and Edgar moved to Norfolk, Virginia where she gave birth to a daughter, Rosalie in 1810. The paternity of Rosalie was continually questioned and so was Elizabeth's reputation. In the autumn of 1811 Elizabeth Poe became gravely ill and she died of consumption on December 8, 1811 when Edgar was only two years old. Both he and his younger sister were left destitute and poverty stricken.

After his mother's death Edgar was taken in by John Allan, a wealthy Scotch merchant, and his wife Frances. The Allans never formally adopted Edgar but they gave him the middle name Allan and it was from then on Edgar was known as Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar's sister Rosalie was adopted by the Allan's neighbors and good friends, the MacKenzies, and so Edgar had been able to continue a relationship with his sister. Edgar grew up not wanting for anything and the Allan's treated him very well. It is documented that he had a very comfortable and happy childhood. The Allan's provided the best schooling available to Edgar. He attended some of the best finishing schools in England and Virginia. He was popular with the other students yet always remained somewhat aloof. His schoolmasters found him to be extremely intelligent. When he began writing poetry at the age of 13 his schoolmasters noticed his unique talent for writing. After finishing school Edgar attended the University of Virginia but quit the University after a falling out between him and his father after Edgar discovered an extra marital affair that Mr.

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