Courtesy of Raymond Arroyo...Ronald Reagan was NOT the first American President to pardon a Turkey.

It seems that little Tad Lincoln had just lost his brother, Willie, who had been his companion. He became VERY attached to a turkey that hung about near the White House because he was so lonely. He had named the turkey "Jack". One day, the White House chef came out and captured the turkey and was going to cook him for dinner.

Heartbroken, Tad rushed to his father, Abraham Lincoln, and begged him to save the turkey's life. Then Abraham Lincoln granted Jack the turkey a full stay of execution.

https://www.churchpop.com/the-magnificent-mischief-of-tad-lincoln-the-merciful-story-behind-the-first-turkey-pardon/