October 3 1849, Poe was discovered in a state of semiconsciousness; four days later he died. The causes of death are unknown. Born 1809, both parents were professional actors. At the time of his birth, his parents were members of a repertory company in Boston. Before reaching the age of three, both parents died. He was raised by John Allan a prosperous exporter from Richmond Virginia. Allan never legally adopted Poe. He was admitted to the University of Virginia Charlottesville in 1825. Due to bad debts and inadequate financial support from Allan, Poe found himself forced to leave the school. Upon his return to Richmond in 1827, his relationship with Allan disintegrated. He left for Boston, enlisted in the army and published his first poetry