CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Edgar Poe was born in Boston on Jan. 19, 1809. His mother, Eliza, and father, David, were professional actors. He was the second of three children, with an older brother named William and a younger sister named Rosalie.

Shortly after Poe's birth, his father abandoned the family, and then his mother died. At this point, he was taken in by John and Frances Allan, wealthy tobacco merchants in Virginia.

Later he would change his name to include the Allans' last name. However, the Allans never formally adopted him.

As a young man, Poe spent one semester at the University of Virginia. After that, he spent time in the military, first in the Army, lying about his name and age to enlist, and then as a cadet at West Point where he was court-martialed and discharged in a move he orchestrated himself.

He spent much of his time the following years working for literary journals in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. In 1835, at age 26, he married his cousin, Virginia Clemm, who was 13 at the time.

In 1845, Poe wrote and published "The Raven." This poem would prove to be his most famous work; he said he believed it to be the greatest poem ever written.

Before "The Raven," Poe was best known as a literary critic. He was especially critical of poet Henry Longfellow, who he accused of plagiarism. The two had an ongoing battle.

Two years after "The Raven" was published, Virginia Clemm Poe died from tuberculosis. Her death sent Poe into a deeply depressed state that would inspire some of his darkest writings.

About two years after Virginia's death, on Oct. 7, 1849, Poe died at the age of 40. He was found on the streets of Baltimore in a distressed state and later taken to the hospital by a man named Joseph W. Walker. He died at Washington College Hospital at 5 a.m.

 Poe was said to have repeated the name "Reynolds" on the night before his death. His last words were recorded as "Lord help my poor soul."

His cause of death is unknown, though some have speculated he died of alcoholism, suicide, tuberculosis, rabies, drug usage or heart disease. All his medical records have been lost. A mysterious death for a mysterious man seems more than appropriate.

Poe's work has influenced literature around the world and over the years. It appears throughout pop culture, literature, music, film and television.

His writings bring to mind images of murder, premature burials and madmen. This is not much different than the images brought to mind of the man himself -- a bizarre, morbid and mysterious man.

January 19 will be Edgar Allan Poe's 204th birthday. On this day, remember Poe for who he was, for he was great.