John Butler (pioneer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Butler
Portrait of John Butler, date unknown
Born	on or before 28 April 1728 New London, Connecticut
Died	12 May 1796 Newark, Upper Canada
Allegiance	Great Britain
Service/branch	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 Cherry Valley massacre Battle of Newtown

John Butler (1728–1796) was a Loyalist who led an irregular militia unit known as Butler's Rangers on the northern frontier in New York during the American Revolutionary War. 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-equipped to work with Mohawk and other Iroquois Confederacy warriors who became allies of the British during the rebellion.

During the War, Butler led Seneca and Cayuga forces in the Saratoga campaign in New York. He later raised and commanded a regiment of rangers, which included affiliated Mohawk and other Iroquois nations' warriors. They conducted raids in central New York west of Albany, including what became known among the rebels as 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 province, helping to found the Anglican Church of Canada and Masonic Order, and serving in public office.

Images for kids

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  Uniform of Butler's Rangers

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  Butler's Barracks in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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  Bust of John Butler, at the Valiants Memorial, in Ottawa