Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. His father deserted the family, and his mother, an actress, died of tuberculosis when Edgar was three. Edgar went to live with his uncle, John Allan, and aunt Frances in Richmond, Virginia. In 1826, Poe entered the University of Virginia and was an exceptional student, unfortunately, he was forced to drop out due to immense gambling debts. In March 1827, Poe enlisted in the army under the …showed first 75 words of 333 total…

…showed last 75 words of 333 total…suffering from the illness. Poe occasionally turned to alcohol to ease his despair. He was able to control the drinking, so it didn't affect his work, despite what some critics may say. In 1849, Poe became engaged to Sarah Royster Shelton. On the way to the wedding (on Sept. 28) he stopped in Baltimore and was later found lying outsided a voting place on October 3. He died in a hospital four days later, cause of death unknown.