William J. K. Beaudot worked as a librarian in the Milwaukee Public Library system
for 36 years, from 1964 to 2000. He earned degrees from Marquette and University of
Wisconsin-Madison. Beaudot was interested in Civil War history, publishing several
books and articles relating to the Civil War. He co-authored two books, In the
Bloody Railroad Cut at Gettysburg (1990) and An Irishman in the Iron Brigade (1997)
with Lance Herdegen. He also authored The 24th Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War
(2003). Beaudot wrote for a variety of periodicals, including Blue & Gray,
Virginia Country’s Civil War, Gettysburg Magazine, and Milwaukee History. Beaudot
was active in several Civil War associations. He was a member of the “reactivated”
6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment and held various leadership roles. He
represented the 6th Regiment in the larger North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA)
and the Civil War Skirmish Association (CWSA), which holds marksmanship competitions
using Civil War era weaponry.
The "reactivated" 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment was formed exactly 100
years to the day after its Civil War counterpart was mustered into Federal service
as an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The
original 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment was recruited from counties in
the southern third of the state and after training was mustered into service on July
21, 1861. The 6th was brigaded with two other Wisconsin regiments, the 2nd and 7th,
and the 19th Indiana to form the only all-Western brigade in the Army of the
Potomac. After the brigade's first test in battle on August 28, 1862 in the prelude
to Second Bull Run, it became known as the "Big Hat Brigade" due to its distinctive
uniform. Prior to Antietam, the brigade became known as the "Iron Brigade," as a
testament to its relentless push forward under fire from the Rebels. After Antietam,
the Iron Brigade was reinforced with the addition of the 24th Michigan. The 6th was
present for duty at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865.
The "reactivated" 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment’s purpose was to uphold
the traditions of the original 6th, an infantry regiment that served in the Civil
War (1861-1865). The organization's actions include participation in skirmish
shooting competitions and ceremonial events using traditional uniforms, equipment
and weaponry. They won many national and regional skirmish musket shooting
competitions, and have been judged the Best-Uniformed Union Unit at numerous
national skirmishes.
