∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
BALTIMORE, October 9, 1865.
To the Editors of the American:
Gentlemen — I observe in this morning’s issue of your paper “arrangements are now in progress on the part of a number of ladies and gentlemen of this city for the purpose of erecting over the grave of Edgar Allen [[Allan]] Poe, the gifted poet, a marble monument in testimony of his poetical talents,” &c., &c., which I am very much pleased to observe. I will correct a statement of the writer where he says, “his remains lie buried in an obscure corner of the Presbyterian burying ground, corner of Fayette and Green streets. He was buried in his grandfather’s (David Poe) lot near the centre of the graveyard, wherein was buried his grandmother and several others of the family. I furnished a neat mahogany coffin, and Mr. Nelson Poe the hack and hearse. Mr. Nelson Poe, Judge Nelson and myself, together with Mr. Charles Suter, the undertaker, were the only persons attending his funeral. Mr. Edgar Allen [[Allan]] Poe was the son of the brother, David Poe, Jr., of my first wife, Eliza Poe, and was adopted by Mr. Allen [[Allan]], of Richmond, on the death of his father and mother in that city. He has a sister, Rosalie Poe, now living, who came to Baltimore a few days ago in very indigent circumstances. She was also an adopted child in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie, of Richmond, on the death of her parents. Mr. Mackenzie died many years ago, and with the exception of a few years Mrs. Mackenzie has taken care of Rosalie ever since; but owing to the ravages of the war is in very limited circumstances and has gone blind, and has advised Rosalie to come on to Baltimore among her relations. I have been thus particular in stating Rosalie’s situation, in order that those ladies and gentlemen may not forget the sister of the great poet by contributing to her necessities at this time. Any information with respect to Rosalie Poe, only sister of Edgar Allen [[Allan]] Poe, will be furnished by HENRY HERRING,
No. 128 E. Pratt street, Baltimore.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Notes:
Henry Herring was Poe’s uncle. Judge Nelson may have been Judge John Nelson (1794-1860), although why he should be present at Poe’s funeral is a mystery. Accounts of who actually attended the funeral vary considerably. It is usually stated that they were Rev. W. T. D. Clemm (who officiated the ceremony), George W. Spence (the sexton), Neilson Poe, Henry Herring, J. E. Snodgrass, Z. Collins Lee and possibly Poe’s cousin (formerly Elizabeth Herring, but by this time Elizabeth Smith), and perhaps two or three others, including spouses of those already mentioned.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
[S:0 - BACA, 1865] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - A Poe Bookshelf - Edgar Allan Poe (H. Herring, 1865)