I'm just starting my tree and nothing much is known about my Grandfather. I have seen his name spelt a couple different names either Gratton, Graton or the spelling I grew up with Grattan. I know that he lived in the Minneapolis area when he died in the early 70's, also that he lived in Brainerd in the late 40's to mid 50's. The name would Joseph John James Grattan. Please let me know if you have any information.

There is a Joseph John J. Grattan in the Minnesota death index, born October 18, 1916 out of State, and died in Hennepin County August 25, 1975

In the 1925 census, there is a Clara Graton, age 25, widowed, with son John, age 5, born in New York. They are living with Clara's parents in Aitkin county, John and Emma Nelson.
Clara Nelson married Felix A. Graton on June 23, 1914, and then Clara Graton married Paul Graton on June 7, 1920. John is living with Paul and Clara and his two half sisters, in 1930. So perhaps Clara married brothers? Does this sound like the right person to be your Grandfather?
If you don't have your Grandfather's obit, I suggest you post another query to request a lookup.

i would say this is a great start..
Thanks for the help.. Can I ask why you took the time to look it up?

I just like to help people find their families, especially those just starting out!