Submitted Stories for

Susan Gratiot



Submitted By: M. Bradley
The first school taught in the town (of Shullsburg) or county was organized by Henry Gratiot as early as 1830 and opened New Year's Day of that year, by Beulah Lamb, now Mrs. Schellinger of Wiota, in a small log cabin on the prairie north of Gratiot's Grove. She engaged to teach 5 children of Henry Gratiot, though the number was increased by the attendance of children for several miles around, making a total scholarship of 35 all told. Subsequent to 1830, private and subscription schools were established in different parts of the town, which have culminated in a system of education equaled by no other town in the county. "History of LaFayette County Wisconsin 1881" Page 659

Submitted By: M. Bradley
The first merchant offering proposals for the patronage of the people was Henry Gratiot, who started a store in Gratiot's Grove in 1829. This proved to be the foundation of the Gratiot's Grove Village, which is remembered as a thriving municipality, with two hotels, a number of stores, and private residences and a population of 100 souls. At this time the village of Gratiot's Grove was recognized as the most important depot for the arrival of stages between Galena and Chicago. The village being at its zenith between 1835 and 1840, scarcely a day passed but what it was made the recipient of settlers, prospectors, visitors and adventurers. Gratiot's Grove, however, has outlived its usefulness, and has long since decayed. "History of Lafayette County Wisconsin" 1881

Submitted By: M. Bradley
Susan Gratiot was the wife of Colonel Henry Gratiot. She and her husband Henry were instrumental in helping establish Gratiot's Grove just South of Shullsburg.