Poe's Life in Boston

BOSTON TAKING BOOK
Ward 12
1808

The only incontrovertible proof of a Boston address for the family of Edgar Allan Poe is this record created by municipal assessors who went from house to house in May or June of 1808 to compile a list of taxable Boston residents. This "Taking Book," also know as the "Street Book," shows that "David Poo [sic], actor" lived in a house owned by Henry Haviland at the time. According to the records of the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds, the only property Mr. Haviland owned during the relevant time period was located at what was to become known as 62 Carver Street. Claims that the Poes resided on nearby Hollis Street are based on a 1909 misreading of this evidence and other city records.

Boston Public Library, Rare Books and Manuscripts