Madness Monday: Run-away father, Raymond Mason Peterson

A BIG thank you to Thomas MacEntee from GeneaBloggers who highlighted my blog in his Saturday blog post. Another BIG welcome and thank you to all of you who took the time to click the link and check out my blog. I welcome any comments and suggestions.

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My grandfather's father, Raymond Mason Peterson, left the family soon after my grandpa was born. His maternal grandparents, Clarence and Elizabeth Brown (nee Galligan) adopted him as his birth mother, Ruth Margaret Brown was having trouble raising him alone during the great depression. My grandpa was an only child. After he was adopted, my grandpa took on the Brown name (maiden name of his birthmom). Although my grandpa is still alive, bringing up the past is difficult for him, and getting family stories or history from him is worse than pulling teeth.

Raymond and Ruth, August 1925, Chicago, IL

I've been able to locate a lot of information on the Brown side of the family, as well as the Galligan family, but I have not been able to find Raymond Peterson or his family.

Raymond and Ruth, September 1925, Chicago, IL

Here's what I know:

• Raymond Mason Peterson was born around 1908
• Raymond's nickname was "Ray"
• Raymond and Ruth Margaret Brown were married in Chicago, IL, between 1924-1929
• In August and September 1925, Raymond and Ruth are together in a picture in front of a building, address: 2634 W 15th Place, Chicago, IL
• Raymond and Ruth's first and only child was born in 1930 (*details left off, as son is still living)
• Raymond and Ruth were divorced between 1930-1937
• Raymond's brother owned the Peterson Funeral Home in Chicago, IL
• Raymond owned a tent and awning shop in Chicago, IL
  
  

Raymond and Ruth, August 1925, Chicago, IL

I don't know when he died, if he moved, or if he remarried, or his exact date of birth

Here's where I've looked:

• Chicago City Directories. I've found many Raymond or Ray Peterson's but are they my Raymond?
• Obituaries from Chicago Tribune....found over 20 with the name Raymond or Ray Peterson. I've been able to narrow it down to a couple, due to ages
• I've contacted the Peterson Funeral Home in Chicago via email to request information---no return email.
• Social Security Death Index (SSDI)--found a couple, best match shows he died in Arizona.

My plans:

• Request a copy of Raymond and Ruth's marriage and divorce record
• Re-contact Peterson Funeral Home via phone

Any other suggestions? Please let me know.

Pictures courtesy of Ruth Margaret Brown's family photo album