Buddy Fogelson
Buddy Fogelson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | December 1, 1987 (aged 87) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, Army colonel, entrepreneur, horse and cattle breeder, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1919–1987 |
| Known for | Oil wildcatter; breeder of Santa Gertrudis cattle; Thoroughbred racehorse owner; philanthropist |
| Spouse | Greer Garson (m. 1949–1987) |
Elijah E. "Buddy" Fogelson (February 16, 1900 – December 1, 1987) was a multifaceted American figure known for his roles as a lawyer, Army colonel, entrepreneur, and breeder of horses and cattle, as well as a dedicated philanthropist. Originating from Lincoln, Nebraska, he spent a significant portion of his life in Texas and attended Texas Christian University during the years 1919 to 1920. His wealth was primarily amassed through his ventures as an oil wildcatter.
In 1941, Fogelson purchased the Forked Lightning Ranch located near the Pecos River, approximately southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, he specialized in breeding Santa Gertrudis cattle. Over time, he enlarged the ranch by acquiring adjacent properties, ultimately expanding it to . In 1949, he wed actress Greer Garson; their union endured for close to four decades.
Biography
Throughout World War II, Fogelson held the rank of colonel on General Eisenhower's staff and was responsible for overseeing oil procurement for the Allied Forces. Following the conclusion of the war in Europe in 1945, he served with the U.S. Military Mission in Moscow before resuming his business activities back in Texas.
On April 17, 1947, he helped establish Pan American Sulphur Company aimed at exploiting a significant sulfur deposit in Jaltipan, Veracruz, Mexico.
Introduced to Greer Garson in 1948 by mutual acquaintance Peter Lawford, Fogelson became a patron of her theatrical pursuits by founding Santa Fe Productions, Inc., which financed several Broadway productions. His credits include producing The Golden Age (1963) and The Passion of Josef D. (1964).
The couple maintained residences in both Dallas and Los Angeles while frequently spending time at their Spanish-style hacienda situated on Forked Lightning Ranch. As a Thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder, Fogelson acquired Ack Ack in 1971 from the estate of Harry F. Guggenheim. Ack Ack went on to win the 1971 Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Older Male Horse and Horse of the Year. His nephew and adopted son, Gayle David Fogelson, remains active in Thoroughbred breeding and racing.
Upon Buddy Fogelson’s death in 1987, ownership of Forked Lightning Ranch was split between his widow and son. In 1991, due to declining health, Greer Garson sold her share to the Conservation Fund, which subsequently transferred it to the National Park Service. This property now forms part of Pecos National Historical Park, while an additional was acquired by actor Val Kilmer.
Philanthropy
The Fogelsons were prominent supporters of arts and education initiatives, notably contributing to the Santa Fe opera and theatre communities. Their philanthropy extended to the College of Santa Fe, where they funded the E. E. Fogelson Library and established scholarships aimed at assisting disadvantaged students. Through their E. E. Fogelson and Greer Garson Fogelson Charitable Foundation, they endowed the Fogelson Honors Forum at Texas Christian University with a $1 million donation. The E. E. "Buddy" Fogelson Scholarship provides financial aid to former recipients of the Field Scovell Scholarship Foundation pursuing higher education. Additionally, endowed professorships in urology and medical research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and University of Texas Health Science Center carry their name.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1982, Buddy Fogelson passed away in Dallas five years later.