Who was Edgar Allan Poe engaged to when he died?

Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most celebrated and enigmatic figures in American literature, is known for his macabre tales and profound poems. His life, much like his works, was filled with mystery and tragedy. Among the many facets of his life that continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike is the question of his personal relationships, particularly his romantic engagements. When Poe died on October 7, 1849, he was engaged to a woman who had been a significant figure in his life, Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton.
Edgar Allan Poe's relationship with Sarah Elmira Royster was a complex one, marked by a deep emotional connection that spanned over a decade. They first met in 1835 when Poe was a student at the University of Virginia and Sarah was living with her aunt in Richmond, Virginia. At the time, Sarah was only 15 years old, and Poe was 26. Despite the age difference, they developed a strong bond, with Sarah's family describing their relationship as that of "cousins" to avoid scandal.
After their initial meeting, Poe left Virginia to pursue a military career, and Sarah eventually married Alexander Shelton in 1839. However, their marriage was not a happy one, and Sarah and Alexander separated in 1843. During this time, Poe had also experienced significant turmoil in his personal life, including the death of his young wife, Virginia Clemm, in 1847.
In 1848, Sarah and Poe reconnected, and their relationship rekindled. Sarah, having separated from her husband, was living with her family in Fordham, New York, where Poe was also residing at the time. Their renewed courtship was marked by a series of passionate love letters that have since become a significant part of Poe's literary legacy. In October 1848, Poe proposed to Sarah, and she accepted, making them officially engaged.
The engagement between Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton was a tumultuous one, fraught with the challenges of their past and the complexities of their social standing. Sarah's family was not supportive of the union, largely due to Poe's reputation as a controversial figure in the literary world. Additionally, Sarah was concerned about the financial instability that Poe faced, which was a significant factor given her own experience with a failed marriage.
Despite these obstacles, Sarah and Poe remained committed to each other. They planned to marry once Poe's financial situation improved, and Sarah was able to secure a divorce from her estranged husband. Unfortunately, their plans were never realized. Poe's untimely death in 1849, under mysterious circumstances that remain unsolved to this day, left Sarah a widow before she could officially become his wife.
Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton's engagement to Edgar Allan Poe is a poignant chapter in the life of this literary icon. It serves as a testament to the depth of their love and the tragic nature of Poe's life. After Poe's death, Sarah never remarried and spent the rest of her life mourning the loss of her beloved fiancé. She passed away on February 11, 1888, leaving behind a legacy of a woman who was deeply in love with one of America's most celebrated, yet troubled, authors.

Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton (1810 -C February 11, 1888) was an adolescent sweetheart of Edgar Allan Poe who became engaged to him shortly before his death in 1849.