JacksonS Feathered Friend A Peek Into The Life Of His Beloved Parrot
In the storied halls of the White House, presidential pets have long been a charming staple, with many commanders-in-chief opting for the classic canine companion. Yet, Andrew Jackson, the nation’s seventh president, broke the mold with his unconventional choice of a feathered friend: a parrot named Poll. This avian companion wasn’t just any pet; Poll was a treasured link to Jackson’s late wife, Rachel, and remained under his care after her death.
However, Poll’s presence became a source of unexpected scandal at Jackson’s funeral in 1845. The bird’s penchant for profanity led to a commotion, as attendees were taken aback when Poll unleashed a torrent of expletives, resulting in its removal from the solemn proceedings. The origin of Poll’s colorful vocabulary remains a topic of speculation, but given Jackson’s own reputedly fiery temperament and penchant for salty language, one might surmise that the parrot was merely mimicking its master..