by Sarah Perryman

Created on: October 12, 2007

Elizabeth Arnold, the mother of America's own Edgar Allen Poe, lived an interesting but brief life. She entered this world in 1787 and was the daughter of Henry and the British actress Elizabeth Arnold. Growing up, young Elizabeth shared more than her mother's name. She also held a talent and interest for the stage.

In 1796, shortly after her father's death, Elizabeth and her mother migrated from England to Boston, Massachusetts. A few months later, the nine year old Elizabeth made her American debut. Though she was praised for her acting and dance skills, her voice was her largest asset.

Two years later her mother also passed away and left her in the care of her stepfather Charles Tubbs, and actress, and finally Mrs. Usher. This unusual life led her through Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York. During this time, she had a successful career. She performed along side many popular actors in honor of the recently deceased George Washington, joined the Philadelphia Company, and was present at the opening of the United States Theater.

Her first marriage, at the young age of 15, was to Charles Hopkins in August of 1802. He was a comedian at the time and together they joined Green's Virginia Company. During their time together, Elizabeth played over twenty different stage roles. Sadly, Elizabeth's and Charles's short marriage came to an end in 1805 when Charles died.

Her second marriage was to the young actor David Poe with whom Charles and Elizabeth had shared the stage with in previous years. David, a trained lawyer turned actor was born July 18, 1784 and left this world on Oct. 19, 1811, shortly before Elizabeth's death on December 8, 1811. Together, they performed as part of the Summer Theater at Vauxhall in New York and opened the Federal Street Theater in Boston; only taking breaks for the birth of their children.

Elizabeth's and David's marriage brought forth William Henry Leonard Poe, born on January 30, 1807; Edgar Allen Poe, born on January 19, 1809; and a daughter, Rosalie Poe, born on December 20, 1810.

The addition of children seemed to put a financial strain on the young family. David's acting career faded for a time as he sought a loan from his cousin. Elizabeth's career, on the other hand, took a large leap forward when she was selected to play opposite John Howard Payne. She also took on the role of Shakespeare's Ophelia and was noted as being the lead singing actress for the Park Theater Company of New York.

After a very short time, David's acting

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