William B. Britton (January 8, 1829December 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. 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 External links Politicians from Janesville, Wisconsin Republican Party members of the Wisconsin State Assembly Wisconsin city council members People of Wisconsin in the American Civil War Union Army colonels Military personnel from Wisconsin National Guard (United States) colonels American merchants 1829 births 1910 deaths Burials in Wisconsin 19th-century American politicians Wisconsin National Guard personnel 19th-century American businesspeople