Mrs Sarah Selina Burritt Sumner writes I wish I knew more about my father's early days I know he was educated in Wilkesbarre Pa working for his board with a physician who was a relative He taught school taught surveying and did a great deal of surveying both in Pennsylvania and in Wisconsin He was boss of a gang of construction hands building the Beloit Branch Rail Road in 1853 54 He was always a public spirited citizen often on school boards and taking a lively interest in education He had the respect of everybody in Mauston where he died Mrs Ellen Burritt Souther's tribute to the memory of her father and mother Grandison Burritt and his wife were among the early settlers in Mauston Wis They moved from Pennsylvania in 1854 They were always considered the best citizens and were highly respected Mr Burritt taught school and one time held offices on the School Board many years in succession Although he was a horny handed old farmer his manners were those of the perfect gentleman always self possessed knowing what to say and how to say it on all occasions Mrs Mosher used to say If Mr Burritt found himself in the presence of Queen Victoria he would know the proper thing to say and do Of her mother she writes Mrs Sarah Burritt was certainly far beyond the ordinary woman Besides the toil and hardships which fell to her lot as to every pioneer's wife she kept her large family of children clothed for school and Sunday School with the proceeds of her loom She entertained and was entertained by the very best people of the country found time to read was always up to date on the topics that interested the country at large She never really grew old in spirit was fresh and young in her ideas up to the time of her death Her society was enjoyed by young and old She was so thoroughly sweet and wholesome in her later days free from any littleness or bitterness (Family of Blackleach Burritt by Alice Burritt).