Andrew Jackson’S Parrot Was Removed From His Funeral for Cursing

Like an uninvited guest who can't hold their tongue, Poll the parrot managed to steal the spotlight at Andrew Jackson's funeral in 1845. You've probably heard tales of awkward funeral moments, but this feathered friend took things to a historic level by releasing a stream of profanity that shocked the mourners. While the story of Jackson's cursing parrot has become a beloved piece of presidential folklore, you'll find there's more to this tale than just a bird with a colorful vocabulary.

The Legend of Poll: A Presidential Pet's Infamous Outburst

When Andrew Jackson purchased a gray parrot named Poll for his wife Rachel in 1827, he couldn't have predicted the bird would later become infamous for disrupting his own funeral.

After Rachel's death, Jackson adopted Poll, and the parrot's training took an unexpected turn. You might wonder about Jackson's influence on Poll's vocabulary, as the bird became known for mimicking words – including, possibly, some colorful language. African grey parrots like Poll are known for their exceptional longevity of 60 years in captivity. In letters to William Donelson, Jackson showed deep affection for his feathered companion.

On June 10, 1845, during Jackson's funeral, Poll created quite a scene with an outburst of profanity so shocking that attendees were "horrified and awed."

According to Reverend William Menefee Norment, who witnessed the event as a teenager, Poll's excited swearing was so disruptive that the bird had to be removed from the service.

A Young Reverend's Shocking Account

Among the most detailed accounts of Poll's funeral disruption comes from Reverend William Menefee Norment, who witnessed the spectacle as a young Cumberland University student.

Just six weeks before Jackson's funeral, Norment had visited the ailing president at The Hermitage, where he found Jackson feeble but deeply religious, offering guidance about becoming an upright citizen.

The Reverend led a group of Cumberland students to visit Jackson during that spring of 1845.

The Reverend's observations of the funeral atmosphere were particularly striking. As mourners gathered and slaves wailed, Poll became increasingly agitated by the crowd.

Poll, who had been originally purchased as a companion for Jackson's wife Rachel, had learned to mimic the colorful language heard around the White House.

The parrot then launched into what Norment described as "perfect gusts of 'cuss words,'" leaving attendees shocked and horrified.

The slaves were especially stunned by the bird's lack of reverence, forcing handlers to remove Poll from the service before the sermon could begin.

Life at The Hermitage: How Jackson's Parrot Learned to Swear

Poll's shocking funeral disruption raises an intriguing question: How did a presidential parrot learn such colorful language?

The parrot acquisition from a tavern might provide your first clue – Poll likely arrived at The Hermitage already familiar with profanity.

Living in close quarters with Andrew Jackson, known for his tough demeanor and potentially salty language, you'd find that Poll had plenty of opportunities to expand its vocabulary.

After Rachel Jackson's death, the parrot spent even more time with the president, increasing its exposure to any swearing influence from Jackson's speech patterns.

As an intelligent mimicker, Poll could easily pick up and repeat the colorful language it heard.

The high-pressure environment at The Hermitage, combined with the staff's focus on keeping Rachel's beloved pet alive, meant Poll's inappropriate outbursts often went unchecked.

The parrot's behavior was so disruptive that Reverend Menifee had to remove Poll from the funeral service when it wouldn't stop cursing.

Historical Authenticity: Examining the 75-Year Gap

Despite its enduring popularity, the tale of Jackson's cursing parrot faces significant historical scrutiny due to a 75-year gap between the event and its first written record.

The historical reliability of the account rests solely on Reverend William Menefee Norment's testimony, published when he was 90 years old.

While Norment did attend Jackson's funeral as a 15-year-old student and had visited The Hermitage before Jackson's death, source validation remains challenging.

You won't find any other contemporary accounts confirming the parrot's behavior.

The story's credibility is further complicated by the social and racial perspectives of the era, as Norment's narrative reflects 19th-century attitudes toward slaves and morality.

Without additional corroborating evidence, this colorful piece of American folklore continues to intrigue historians while raising questions about its authenticity.

The Lasting Legacy of a Profane Parrot

The story of Jackson's foul-mouthed parrot has evolved into more than just an amusing historical footnote, as it continues to captivate audiences and reveal deeper truths about early American society.

When you examine the parrot psychology behind Poll's outburst, you'll find it reflects both the bird's remarkable cognitive abilities and its environment at Jackson's home.

The cultural implications of this incident extend beyond mere entertainment value – it offers a unique window into 19th-century social dynamics, particularly regarding religion, morality, and race relations.

According to Reverend William Menifee Norman, Paul the African Grey parrot unleashed perfect gusts of cuss words during the solemn ceremony.