Text: Anonymous, “The Monument and Grave of Poe,” Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD), vol. LXXVII, no. 132, October 16, 1875, supplement p. 1, col. 8

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LOCAL MATTERS.

The Monument and Grave of Poe. — The subject of Edgar A. Poe's “neglected grave” has for a long time been a beautiful theme for the lamentations of a large class of people in this and other cities, whose sentimental sighs were from time to time varied by reflections uttered in public press that were excusable only on the ground that the unjust criticisms were vented in entire ignorance of the circumstances. A beautiful monument has been placed to the memory of the brilliant genius, whose ashes lie in Westminster Church yard in this city, the fund for which was contributed largely by the public schools of Baltimore, aided by a well-known citizen of Philadelphia. This will but give satisfaction to all the admirers of the poet, the work is no sooner done than the old subject of “a hidden monument” is added to the revived complaint against the “hidden grave” in a neglected and out-of-the-way corner of an old church yard.

The dissatisfaction in regard to this matter has influenced the committee charged with the erection of the monument to such an extent that they have not yet determined day upon which the monument will be unveiled and formally dedicated. The 27th of October had been suggested and partially agreed upon, but on account of the dissatisfaction the committee will not fix the day of inauguration until it has been finally settled whether to remove the monument or let it remain where it is.

It was suggested, before the monument was placed in position, that the northwest corner of the old cemetery would be a more suitable location, and a vacant lot, it was ascertained, in that part of the graveyard could be obtained at a reasonable price. Prof. Elliott, chairman of the committee, submitted the suggestion to a relative of Mr. Poe, who, while he did not positively object to the removal, expressed the wish that the remains might not be disturbed. It was then decided that the monument should be erected over the poet's remains where they were originally buried, which was done. Since putting the monument in place Prof. Elliott has received communications from persons whose opinions he is disposed to regard, and will call the committee together in a few days to decide finally the question of permanent location and the day for the inauguration.

The body of the poet lies in a lot situated in the southeastern corner of the Westminster Cemetery, Green and Fayette streets, surrounded by old tombs, monuments and vaults. Its location is secluded, but not obscure. It is somewhat distant from the street, and is in the rear of the church, which occupies a portion of the cemetery lot. It cannot be seen from Fayette street, aud is hidden from view from the Green street side by a high wall, which, however, it is proposed to remove and replace with an iron fence. A narrow alley runs within a few feet of it on the south. This alley, it is said, may be opened at some future day as a street. The wall on this side will then be taken down and an iron fence substituted.

The lot in which Poe's remains lie belonged to his grandfather, General Poe, a paymaster in the revolutionary war, who is buried there. Mrs. Clemm, the mother-in-law and aunt of Edgar A. Poe, is buried by his side, at her particular request. Both bodies now lie under the monument, and in case of removal both would be taken up. Poe's remains were buried here by his relatives, and the lot is theirs forever.

The cemetery is one of the oldest in Baltimore, and belongs to the congregation of Dr. Backus's church. one of the wealthiest congregations in Baltimore. The church which stands in the cemetery was built some thirty years ago, for the purpose of securing the cemetery from the possible incursions of business houses. It is not probable that the cemetery will ever be disturbed by the march of improvement or requirements of business, though it is near the centre of the city. The fund for the erection of the monument was contributed with the understanding that the monument was to be placed over the remains. The committee are averse the proposition to remove the monument to Greenmount or any public place. The present location of the monument is regarded as of all others the most appropriate. Poe, it is remembered, was neither a hero nor a public benefactor. Those who will take most pleasure in looking upon his grave are not the masses, but the lovers of his genius as a poet, who know him chiefly through his poetical creations. The spot where he now lies is removed from the public gaze and remote even from the noise and bustle of the busy world, and on this account is singularly appropriate as a ‘last resting place.” is proper to add that Professor Elliott and other members of the committee are opposed to a removal of the monument. but desire to give satisfaction to that portion of the public who have shown a proper interest in the matter.