Walter Butler (Loyalist)

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For other men named Walter Butler, see Walter Butler.

Walter N. Butler (1752 – October 30, 1781) was a British Loyalist officer during the American Revolution. He was born near Johnstown, New York, the son of John Butler, a wealthy Indian agent who worked for Sir William Johnson. Walter Butler studied law, and became a lawyer in Albany, New York.

With the start of the American Revolution, the Butler family escaped with other Loyalists to Canada. Walter was commissioned as an Ensign in the King's 8th regiment. with which he served at the Battle of Oriskany. When his father formed Butler's Rangers, Walter Butler transferred to that company and was commissioned as a Captain.

Soon after that, he was captured by Continental Army troops while trying to recruit rangers at Shoemaker Tavern in German Flatts, New York. He was sentenced to death for spying by Lt. Col. Marinus Willett and imprisoned in Albany, but he was able to escape after a few months and returned to Canada.

In 1778, he and Joseph Brant led a company of Tories and Indians in the raid that culminated in the Cherry Valley Massacre. Blame for the deaths of the many women and children there has traditionally been placed on Walter Butler, with good reason.

Walter Butler was killed on October 30, 1781 in a skirmish with patriot troops (2nd Albany County Militia Regiment) under Marinus Willett in the Mohawk Valley.