How old was Edgar Allan Poe's wife when they got married?

Edgar Allan Poe's wife, Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe, was 13 years old when they got married.

The Marriage of Edgar Allan Poe and Virginia Clemm

The marriage between Edgar Allan Poe and his cousin, Virginia Clemm, took place in 1836. At the time of their union, Edgar Allan Poe was 27 years old, while Virginia was considerably younger, at just 13 years of age. This age difference has been a notable aspect of their widely discussed relationship.

Key Details of Their Union

• Year of Marriage: 1836
• Virginia's Age at Marriage: 13 years old
• Edgar's Age at Marriage: 27 years old

Their marriage, though marked by a significant age gap, was reportedly a loving and devoted one. Virginia was a central figure in Poe's life, serving as both his wife and a source of inspiration.

Virginia Clemm Poe's Later Life and Passing

Virginia's life was tragically cut short by illness. In 1842, she began to show symptoms of tuberculosis, a disease that was prevalent and often fatal during that era. She bravely battled the illness for several years.

Virginia Clemm Poe ultimately succumbed to tuberculosis on January 30, 1847. She was only 24 years old at the time of her death. Her prolonged illness and eventual passing had a profound impact on Edgar Allan Poe, deeply influencing much of his later work and contributing to the melancholic themes often found in his poetry and stories.

For more information about Virginia Clemm Poe and her life, you can visit the U.S. National Park Service website.