Edgar Allan Poe’s foster mother, Frances Allan, died on February 28, 1829. She had been suffering from tuberculosis for a long time, which ultimately led to her death.
Frances Allan played a significant role in Poe’s early life after he was taken in by the Allan family following his biological mother’s death in 1811. Although never formally adopted, Poe was raised by John and Frances Allan in Richmond, Virginia. Frances was known to be fond of Poe and treated him kindly, providing a contrast to her husband, who had a more complex and often strained relationship with Poe.
Her death was a blow to Poe, who was left without the nurturing presence she had provided. The loss of Frances Allan compounded the emotional turmoil Poe experienced due to the earlier loss of his biological mother, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, and his strained relationship with his foster father. Her passing also marked a turning point in Poe’s life, as he continued to struggle with personal and financial difficulties, which were exacerbated by the lack of support from John Allan. This period of Poe’s life was characterized by his attempts to secure a living through writing, leading to the creation of some of his most famous works, even as he grappled with ongoing hardships and the impact of his losses.