John Butler (Ranger)

John Butler
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/branch	British Indian Department Tryon County militia British Army
Years of service	1755–1784
Rank	Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit	Butler's Rangers
Battles/wars	French and Indian War Battle of Ticonderoga Battle of Fort Frontenac Battle of Fort Niagara American Revolutionary War Battle of Longue-Pointe Siege of Fort Stanwix Battle of Oriskany Battle of Wyoming Battle of Newtown Battle of Klock's Field

Lieutenant-Colonel John Butler (c. April 28, 1728 – May 12, 1796) was a British Indian Department officer, landowner and merchant. During the American Revolutionary War, he was a prominent Loyalist who commanded Butler's Rangers. Born in New London, 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.