Andrew Jackson’s Parrot Was Removed from His Funeral for Cursing

On June 8, 1845, the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson, died at his home, The Hermitage, in Tennessee. Thousands came to say goodbye at his funeral. But, an unexpected event happened: Jackson’s African Grey parrot, Poll, started cursing.

The cursing parrot was a close friend of the late president. But at the funeral, it shocked everyone with its bad language. Poll’s swearing was so loud, it made the funeral less solemn.

Because of Poll’s bad behavior, it had to leave the house. People wondered how it learned such words. Some thought Poll got it from Jackson, who was known for his strong language and temper.

Key Takeaways

• Andrew Jackson’s African Grey parrot, Poll, disrupted his funeral by loudly cursing.
• The bird had to be removed from The Hermitage due to its inappropriate behavior.
• Attendees speculated that Poll learned the profanities from Jackson himself.
• The incident highlighted Jackson’s strong personality and the bond he shared with his pet.
• Poll’s outbursts added an unexpected twist to the somber occasion of the president’s funeral.

The Notorious Tale of Andrew Jackson’s Foul-Mouthed Parrot

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was known for his tough and temperamental nature. He was nicknamed “Old Hickory.” His pet bird, an African Grey parrot named Poll, learned his colorful language. This made the parrot quite the talk of the White House.

Not all U.S. Presidents kept birds as pets in the White House. Teddy Roosevelt had a one-legged rooster, and James Buchanan owned two bald eagles. But Andrew Jackson’s parrot was famous for its foul language.

Poll was originally a gift for Jackson’s wife, Rachel. After Rachel passed away, Poll became the President’s companion. The intelligent bird spent many years in the White House. It learned a lot of curse words from Jackson himself.

The story of Andrew Jackson’s parrot and its bad language spread in Washington, D.C. This made Poll a part of presidential pet history. The bird’s actions showed Jackson’s bold personality. He was known for using strong language and speaking his mind.

The Parrot’s Shocking Behavior at Jackson’s Funeral

On June 8, 1845, people gathered to say goodbye to Andrew Jackson. But, his pet parrot, Poll, caused a stir. The parrot started swearing loudly, shocking everyone.

Reverend William Menefee Norment, leading the funeral, remembered the parrot’s outburst. He said the bird got excited and swore a lot. This was not what people expected at a funeral.

The parrot’s actions were so shocking that people were left stunned. No one saw it coming. The sudden use of profanity made it hard for mourners to stay calm.

Because of the parrot’s bad behavior, it was taken away. This was done to keep the funeral respectful. It helped everyone focus on saying goodbye to Andrew Jackson properly.

Jackson’s Cursing Parrot: A Reflection of Old Hickory’s Personality

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was known for his tough and uncompromising demeanor. This earned him the nickname “Old Hickory.” His strong personality and often controversial actions made him a polarizing figure in American history. Interestingly, Jackson’s pet parrot, Poll, seemed to have picked up on its owner’s temperamental nature. This was seen at the former president’s funeral.

Poll learned its extensive vocabulary of curse words directly from Andrew Jackson himself. The parrot’s foul mouth was a reflection of Jackson’s own tendency to use strong language and engage in heated debates. Much like its owner, Poll was not afraid to speak its mind, even if it meant ruffling a few feathers. The bird’s outrageous conduct at Jackson’s funeral became a legendary tale that highlighted the similarities between pet and master.

The story of Andrew Jackson’s cursing parrot has become an amusing footnote in the annals of American history. It offers a glimpse into the personality of one of the nation’s most controversial leaders. It also serves as a reminder that our actions and words, whether as individuals or as leaders, can have a lasting impact on those around us, even our feathered friends. In the 19th century, New England experienced vampire panics during tuberculosis outbreaks, fueled by fear and limited medical knowledge. Similarly, Jackson’s parrot’s behavior was a product of its environment, shaped by the larger-than-life personality of its owner, Old Hickory himself.