‘Dick’ was the Beloved Mockingbird Pet of President Thomas Jefferson.
Discover the Heartwarming Story of the Feathered Companion That Stole President Jefferson’s Heart.
President Thomas Jefferson 4/13/1743–7/4/1826
Did you know that President Thomas Jefferson was not only a great statesman and writer but also a lover of birds? Yes, that’s right! He was the first U.S. president to keep a pet mockingbird while he resided in the White House.
In early November 1772, Thomas Jefferson purchased a mockingbird from Martin Hemings for five shillings. Hemings was an enslaved son of Elizabeth Hemings, who was owned by Jefferson’s father-in-law, John Wayles.
This mockingbird was the first of many singing birds to be a part of Jefferson’s household.
This historical fact shows how much he valued the companionship of these birds. It is said that Jefferson deeply admired birds.
He named his beloved bird — “Dick.” It’s fascinating to learn about the little-known aspects of the lives of great people like Jefferson.
Birds were Thomas Jefferson’s favored creatures, with Dick being his preferred one among the four mockingbirds he kept during his presidency.