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 | |
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Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Rock 2nd district | |
In office January 1, 1883 – January 5, 1885 | |
Preceded by | John Winans |
Succeeded by | Pliny Norcross |
Personal details | |
Born | Monmouth County, New Jersey, U.S. | January 8, 1829
Died | December 19, 1910 81) Janesville, Wisconsin, U.S. | (aged
Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville, Wisconsin |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Elizabeth Combs (died 1912) |
Children |
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Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1861–1865 |
Rank | Colonel, USV |
Commands | 8th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
Battles/wars | American 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
- THE BLUE BOOK OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 1883. pp. 502–503.