Edgar Allan Poe's Birthday

Famed gothic writer Edgar Allan Poe was born on Jan. 19, 1809, in Boston. Poe is known for his dark and suspenseful poetry and stories, including "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue."

Writer Edgar Allan Poe was born on Jan. 19, 1809. He died under mysterious circumstances in 1849. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Edgar Allan Poe died at age 40 in Baltimore.  Each year on Poe's birthday, fans meet at his grave   to pay tribute to the writer and catch a glimpse of the uncanny "Poe Toaster."  The "Poe Toaster's" real identity is unknown, but he is said to appear at the original grave near midnight in black garb with a white scarf, leaving roses and cognac.  "Poe Toaster" sightings have been recorded as early as the 1940s.  The "Toaster" mysteriously disappeared after 2009, and has failed to reappear since then.  In 2012, fans decided to end the tradition of waiting for the "Toaster."

Also on This Day in History:

1993 Iraq Allows Weapons Inspections

Saddam Hussein agreed to permit United Nations weapons inspectors into the country without interference.  Hussein expressed his hope that President Clinton would reconsider no-fly zones and the U.N. embargo against Iraq.

1997 Netanyahu Reacts to Arafat's Return to Hebron

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on "This Week" to discuss Palestinian control of  the city of Hebron.  Yasser Arafat attended celebrations in Hebron, declaring it a "liberated city."

2004 John Kerry Wins Iowa Caucus

John Kerry won the 2004 Democratic Iowa Caucus.  John Edwards came in second, and Howard Dean third.  Fourth- place finisher Dick Gephardt dropped out of the presidential race after the results came in.

Famous Birthdays

1807 Robert E. Lee

1809 Edgar Allan Poe

1943 Janis Joplin

1946 Dolly Parton

1947 Ann Compton

1947 Paula Deen

1953 Desi Arnaz, Jr.

1963 Martin Bashir

1971 Shawn Wayans

1972 Drea de Matteo

1974 Frank Caliendo

1982 Jodie Sweetin

1992 Logan Lerman

1992 Shawn Johnson

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