William B. Britton

William Buckman Britton (January 8, 1829 – December 19, 1910) was an American merchant, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Rock County during the 1883 term. Earlier, he served two years as a member of the city council of Janesville, Wisconsin (1874–1876), and served as a Union Army officer throughout the American Civil War.

Early life William Britton was born on January 8, 1829, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was raised and educated in that region, then traveled west as a young man, settling in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1855.

Civil War service At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Britton helped to organize the "Janesville Fire Zouaves" volunteer company for service in the Union Army. The Janesville Fire Department provided a significant number of volunteers to the company and gave the company its name. Britton, who was at the time the chief engineer of the fire department, was elected captain of the company, which was then incorporated into the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment and organized as Company G in that regiment. The 8th Wisconsin Infantry mustered into federal service in September 1861, and Britton mustered in as captain of Co. G.

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.

Postbellum career After the war, Britton became co-owner of a successful furniture factory for several years known as Britton & Kimball.