Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Edward Ferdinant Forsgard
Edward Ferdinant Forsgard was born to Swedish immigrants Samuel Johan Forsgard and Mary Johnson in 1870 at their home at 115 Bridge Street in Waco. Edward, known as "Fuzzy," was the only one of the Forsgard's six children to survive into adulthood; his parents and siblings are buried at Waco's First Street Cemetery.
Edward followed in his father's footsteps, touring the country as a marksman and trapshooter by age eleven. He attended Baylor University and, in 1896, married Annie Marie Weaver, who had come to the United States from England with her parents in 1880. Edward and Annie had six children and built a home at 1122 North 4th Street in Waco in 1908; Edwards's widowed father lived behind their home in his own small house.
Edward worked with his father, first at the family's bakery, restaurant and supply store on Bridge Street, and then at his father's Ambold's sporting goods store. Edward also worked in a cotton yard as a cotton classer. At the outset of World War I, he became a shooting instructor for the military, working at Rich Field in Waco. He also later served as a special Texas Ranger and as a Game and Fish Warden for McLennan County. In addition to his skill with a gun, another trait Edward shared with his father was his love of inventing, patenting an automatic dishwasher for restaurants, as well as a package tie, and a chemical and sawdust floor sweep designed to absorb dirt and moisture.
Internationally, Edward was known as an expert target shooter. He had competed in the sport for 50 years and held the world title in 1908. At his death in 1941, Edward was remembered locally not only as a trapshooter, but also as a patriot, friend and father.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14809.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Sports • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 31° 32.019′ N, 97° 6.472′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South 5th Street and Oakwood Avenue. The marker is located near the center section of the Oakwood Cemetery. Section E, Lot 303. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2124 South 5th Street, Waco TX 76706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. John Henry Sears (approx. ¼ mile away); Ole Canuteson (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Rufus Columbus Burleson (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hallie Earle, M.D. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Veterans Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Robertson (approx. 0.4 miles away); Oakwood Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.