William B. Britton

For others of a similar name, see William Britton (disambiguation).

William B. Britton
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	(1829-01-08)January 8, 1829 Monmouth County, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	December 19, 1910(1910-12-19) (aged 81) Janesville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville, Wisconsin
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Elizabeth Combs (died 1912)
Children	Irene (Lane) (b. 1853; died 1925)
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

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]

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.

External links

• William B. Britton at Find a Grave