John Butler | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:John_Butler.jpg) Portrait of John Butler, date unknown | |
| Born | c. April 28, 1728 New London, Connecticut |
| Died | May 12, 1796 Newark, Upper Canada |
| Allegiance | Great Britain |
| Service/ | British Army |
| Years of service | 1755–1784 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | Butler's Rangers |
| Battles/wars | French and Indian War |
John Butler (c. April 28, 1728 – May 12, 1796) was an American-born military officer, landowner, colonial official in the British Indian Department, and merchant. During the American Revolutionary War, he was a prominent Loyalist who led the provincial regiment known as Butler's Rangers. Born in Connecticut, he moved to New York with his family, where he learned several Iroquoian languages and worked as an interpreter in the fur trade. He was well-prepared to work with the Mohawk and other Iroquois nations who became allies of the British during the rebellion.
During the Revolutionary War, Butler persuaded the Seneca and Cayuga to participate in the St. Leger's Expedition in New York. Afterwards he was given permission to raise a "corps of rangers" to work closely with Britain's Indigenous allies. Butler's Rangers participated in raids in New York and Pennsylvania, including the Battle of Wyoming and the Cherry Valley Massacre. After the war Butler resettled in Upper Canada, where he was given a grant of land by the Crown for his services. Butler continued his leadership in the developing colony, serving in public office, and helping to establish the Anglican Church and the Masonic Order in what is now Ontario.