JoAnn, Grant Co., WI began recording deaths in 1876. There may be a few pre-1876 deaths in the records, but they would be the exception. The State of Wisconsin began recording vital records in 1907. However, many of the early 1900 records are missing. I can't be sure, but suspect the 1876-1907 death records probably only contain 30-40% of the actual deaths. Marriages are the best of the early Wisconsin vital records. For them, I would estimate 95% from the 1850's were recorded in the County and/or State records. Dave Taft