William B. Britton

William B. Britton (January 8, 1829  December 19, 1910) was an American merchant and Republican politician. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Rock County, and was a Union Army officer throughout the American Civil War.[1]

William B. Britton
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Rock 2nd district
In office
January 1, 1883  January 5, 1885
Preceded byJohn Winans
Succeeded byPliny Norcross
Personal details
Born(1829-01-08)January 8, 1829
Monmouth County, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedDecember 19, 1910(1910-12-19) (aged 81)
Janesville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting placeOak Hill Cemetery, Janesville, Wisconsin
Political partyRepublican
SpouseElizabeth Combs (died 1912)
Children
  • Irene (Lane)
  • (b. 1853; died 1925)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Union Army
Years of service18611865
RankColonel, USV
Commands8th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Biography

Britton was born on January 8, 1829, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. In 1855, he moved to Janesville, Wisconsin. Britton was a merchant by trade. He died on December 19, 1910.

Military career

Early on in the American Civil War, Britton enlisted in the Union Army. Soon after, he was commissioned an officer and assigned to the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. Britton eventually achieved the rank of colonel and assumed command of the regiment. Engagements he participated in include the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi, the Red River Campaign and the Battle of Nashville.

Later, Britton became a colonel with what is now the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Political career

Britton was a member of the Assembly in 1883. Previously, he had been a member of the common council of Janesville in 1874 and 1875. He was a Republican.

References

  1. THE BLUE BOOK OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 1883. pp. 502–503.
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