On January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts one of the world's most distinguished writers was born. He was born to Elizabeth Arnold Poe, an English born actress, and David Poe, Jr., an actor from Baltimore, Maryland.
Young Poe's life was that of most children, until his mother tragically died December 8, 1811, at the age of twenty-four. Within a few days of her death, Poe's father dies. Poe then went to live with his godfather, John Allan, a successful tobacco merchant in Richmond, and his wife Frances, who had no children of their own. His foster parents John and Frances added Poe's middle name of "Allan". Although Poe was never legally adopted, he became known as "Edgar Allan Poe" at his Christening on January 7, 1812. And throughout his life, Poe typically signed his name "Edgar A. Poe", with the initial rather than the full name.
In 1815, his godfather, John Allan sent Poe to England and Scotland to begin his classical education for five years. When he returned to Richmond, Virginia, Poe studied Greek, Latin, French, Spanish, and Italian. Poe was well educated in private academies. In 1826, Poe entered the University of Virginia, where he distinguished himself as a student. Although this is where Poe began to run into trouble with drinking, gambling, and quarrels. This displeased John Allan which caused an argument between the two causing Poe to leave Richmond and sail to Boston. Then on May 26,1827, Poe enlisted in the United States Army under the name of Edgar A. Perry and claiming to be four years older than his actual age. Here is where Poe published his pamphlet called the Tamerlane and Other Poems. This book did not sell at all but today the remaining copies are among the most highly prized items in the rare-book market, valued at $150,000.
Poe's military went more successfully then the rest of his life. After two years, Poe was promoted to Sergeant Major, the highest noncommissioned rank.