Why did Edgar Allen Poe...?

Question

...lie about being 22 years old when he was only 18 when he entered the military?

Answer 1

So he would have a reason for being kicked out, if he wanted.

Answer 2

To seem older, I guess.  Maybe there was a different age limit for them in his area or time.  I'm not sure.  Also, you have to take in the fact that he was an odd ball to begin with. =]

Answer 3

Sadly, Poe was  penniless as he sought for means of earning a living. There were none. he had been trained as a Southern gentleman, his education had not been finished, and he had no knowledge of any trade or craft other than writing, and that, far from supporting him, had proved an expense. Like many other young men in similar situations, Poe turned to the government and enlisted in the United States Army.

Answer 4

It may have been due to restrictions on age at that time. A lot of boys lied about their ages to serve in the Civil War, not to mention WWI, WWII, The Korean conflict and Vietnam. I wouldn't be surprised if some tried to do so for the current unrest(s). It would, probably, be harder to succeed nowadays, especially post 9/11.