On June 8, 1845, at the age of seventy-eight, Jackson dies of edema, tuberculosis, and heart failure. He is surrounded by family and friends. The former president does not free his slaves upon dying. Within two days, more than three thousand mourners travel to Hermitage for Jackson’s funeral. Poll, the African gray parrot, is present as the service begins but is removed by order of the minister when he begins swearing during the Presbyterian liturgy.
