President John Tyler's Horse. Pets have kept America's Presidents company since George Washington. Some have witnessed American history in the making and others have even been part of it. President Tyler was especially fond of horses having had one as a child. Sherwood Forest Plantation was the home of President John Tyler and his family since it was purchased in 1842. With fifteen children in the Tyler household, and his fondness for animals, especially equines, pets abounded. He presented his second wife an Italian Greyhound named LeBeau and a canary Johnny Ty chirped away in the plantation house until its death. A need for a burial ground was met with Tyler himself choosing the cemetery site. Each cat, dog, bird or a favorite equine has been buried with great sorrow and the practice continues today as Sherwood Forest Plantation is still owned by descendents. Before becoming President, John Tyler traveled around Charles City County, Virginia aboard "The General" keeping his appointments at the various courthouses, Assembly buildings and other places in the county legal circuit for over twenty years. On approach, the animal was quickly recognized before his rider. When the horse became aged, he was kept in retirement on the plantation until his death. President Tyler was heartbroken as he watched slaves bury the animal. Tyler wrote an epitaph for his horse and it was posted above his grave. The little marker is long gone but a permanent replacement has been erected by his descendents. He also had chosen a burial place for himself and wife near the main house, however at the time of his death, the plantation was occupied by Union troops. He was living in Richmond, still in the hands of the Confederacy and events dictated he be interred at Hollywood Cemetery.