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Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston. His mother was Elizabeth Arnold Poe, an actress who had also been a leading lady in society. His father was David Poe, Jr., an actor who pursued a less succuessful career ruined by his drinking problems. Around Edgar's second birthday, his father abandoned him. His mother took Edgar, his brother William, and his sister Rosalie to Richmond, Virginia in 1811. She died there in December. Edgar was forced from his siblings and was placed in the care of a childless couple, John and Frances Allan. John Allan was an English/Scottish merchant who pushed Edgar Allan Poe to get a valuable education. In 1815, John and Frances took their 'stepson' (Edgar was never legally adopted) to England on a long business trip. Edgar spent his early childhood in England at the boarding academies, including the Manor House School of Doctor Bransby at Stoke Newington. He was an excellent student, and John Allan praised him to his friends. It was also in England that Edgar Allan Poe became acquainted with the very popular Gothic literature. The Allans and Edgar returned to Richmond in 1820. Edgar continued his education at private schools, studying Latin, verse, and oratory. He was