Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Gustav August Forsgard
Samuelson changed his last name to Forsgard for his native Forserum and the Swedish word Gard, meaning "home." Four of his brothers, Samuel Johan, Carl Oscar, Johannes Wilhelm and Claes Henning, followed Forsgard to the U.S. and adopted the same new name; all but Claes settled in Texas.
After a year of farm work, Forsgard returned to Houston and worked as a mercantile clerk for Shepherd and Burke. He also became part of Swenson's and Palm's informal Swedish immigration agency. Forsgard acted as a liaison between new immigrants and Swedes already living in Texas. During the next several years, Forsgard attended school and pursued various business interests.
During the Civil War, Forsgard served with Texas forces. His responsibilities included building fortifications near Galveston to defend against a possible Federal invasion. Forsgard wed Jennie Mary Lusk in 1866, and the couple had two children who survived to adulthood. Over the years, Forsgard was civically active and was a trustee of First Presbyterian Church, director of First National Bank and Master of Holland Masonic Lodge No. 1 of Houston.
Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13710.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.
Location. 29° 45.889′ N, 95° 23.241′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park. Marker can be reached from Washington Avenue. Gustav Forsgard is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, West Avenue section, Lot 252. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2525 Washington Avenue, Houston TX 77007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charlotte Marie Baldwin Allen (a few steps from this marker); Edwin Fairfax Gray (within shouting distance of this marker); Archibald Wynns (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Irvin Capers Lord (about 300 feet away); Ellis Benson (about 400 feet away); Colonel B.F. Terry (about 500 feet away); Darius Gregg (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.