Elmer Raymond Peterson was born on 2 Jun 1902 in Louise, TX to Nils A. and Mabel Peterson. The family had originally moved from Illinois, to try farming on land about 80 miles southwest of Houston. However, after two attempts to farm, Nils decided by 1910 to move the family to Newport, on the coast of Oregon where he became a grocery wagon driver.  

By 1920, the family moved again, this time to Salem where Nils began work at the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Elmer and brother Lester were born deaf. The move to Salem allowed both brothers to attend the Oregon School for the Deaf. Elmer left school prior to graduation, to go to work. In 1930, he worked alongside his father in the Dye House at TKWM. 

After father Nils passed away in 1934, Elmer, brother Lester, and sister Agnes continued to support their mother. The family lived in the same home at 205 22nd St. SE. Tragically, brother Lester was killed in a car accident in December 1953. The year after, Elmer left employment at TKWM and took a job with the Case Company. He never married. He continued to live in the family home after Mother Mabel passed away in 1964. He died 19 Oct 1983 in Salem. He is buried alongside his family members in City View Cemetery.  

1928 Elmer R Peterson. 205 S 22nd Laborer 

1930 Elmer R Peterson. 205 S 22nd Helper, TKWM 

1934 Elmer R Peterson. 205 S 22nd St. Millworker, TKWM 

1935 Elmer R Peterson. 205 S 22nd St. Dyer, TKWM 

1936-1947 Elmer Peterson. 205 S 22nd St. Hlpr/Dyer, TKWM 

1949-1954 Elmer Peterson. 205 S 22nd St. Empl, TKWM 

1955 Elmer Peterson. 205 S 22nd St. Woolen Mills 

1920 Elmer R Peterson. Age: 17. Birth Date: abt 1903 in Texas. Home in 1920: S 22nd St. Salem, OR. Single, son to HOH. Occupation: Laborer, Fruit Cannery. Additional household members: Nils A Peterson, age 54 (father), Mabel M Peterson age 39 (mother), Vergie A Peterson, age 20 (brother), Nels Alden Peterson, age 15 (brother), Lester C Peterson, age 13 (brother), Agnes Peterson, age 7 (sister). 

1930 Elmer R Peterson. Age: 27. Birth Date: abt 1903 in Texas. Home in 1930: 205 S 22nd St. Salem, OR. Single, son to HOH. Occupation: Dyer, Woolen Mill. Additional household members: Nils A Peterson age, 64 (father), Mabel C Peterson, age 49 (mother), Lester D Peterson, age 23 (brother), Agnes M Peterson, age 17 (sister).  

1940 Elmer Peterson. Age: 37. Birth Date: abt 1903 in Texas. Home in 1940: 205 S 22nd St. Salem, OR. Single, son to HOH. Occupation: Carbonizer, Woolen Mill. Additional household members: Mabel Peterson, age 59 (mother), Lester Peterson, age 32 (brother), Agnes Peterson, age 27 (sister). 

1950 Elmer Peterson. Age: 47. Birth Date: abt 1903 in Texas. Home in 1950: 205 S 22nd St. Salem, OR. Single Son of HOH. Occupation: Wool Washer, Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Additional household members: Mabel C Peterson, age 69 (mother), Lester C. Peterson, age 43 (brother), Agnes M. Peterson, age 37 (sister).  

0079.001.0002            Photo 

M3 1992-101-0038     Photo 

M3 2004-008-0002     Photo 

M3 1992-117-0003     Photo