Neilson Poe

Judge Neilson Poe (August 11, 1809 - January 4, 1884) was an American judge for the City of Baltimore's orphan's court, (today referred to as a probate court). He was initially appointed to the court by Maryland Governor John Lee Carroll in 1878 and elected to the position in November 1879. He held on to the position until 1883.

He also worked as the Director of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, as well as a state director for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He also was an editor for several newspapers, such as the Frederick Examiner, the Federal Gazette and the Baltimore Chronicle, for which he was also the proprietor.

Neilson was also a cousin of the poet, Edgar Allan Poe. His wife, Josephine E. Clemm was a sister of the poet's wife, Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe. However while still family, Edgar and Neilson were rivals. At one time, Edgar referred to Neilson as "the bitterest enemy he had in the world". The reasoning behind this charge is unknown. On October 3, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe in backroom of Ryan's inn and tavern, delirious. Neilson attempted to visit Edgar in the hospital and subsequently wrote several letters containing information about his cousin's death. Soon afterwards Edgar died. Edgar's hearse and a headstone of white Italian marble, were paid for by Neilson.

He was the father of John P. Poe, Sr., the Attorney General of Maryland from 1891 until 1895. His grandsons consisted of the six Poe brothers, who played American football at Princeton between 1882 and 1901.

References

• "Obituary; Ex-Judge Neilson Poe" (PDF). New York Times. January 4, 1884. Retrieved 2010-10-22. 
• The Poe Shadow
• Neilson Poe
• Baltimore: Biography. Lewis Historical Publishing Co. 1912. 

See also

• Death of Edgar Allan Poe
• Poe brothers
• John P. Poe, Sr.