Ralph Burton

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Ralph Burton (d. 1768 in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England) was a British soldier and Canadian settler.

Burton's military career began in the 2nd Troop of Horse Grenadier Guards, where he rose to the rank of major. In 1754, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 48th Foot, which was involved in the captures of Quebec in 1759 and Martinique and Havanna in 1762. In 1760, General Jeffery Amherst, Governor General of British North America, appointed him lieutenant governor of the Trois-Rivières district while New France remained under British military rule. Following the return of civilian rule under the newly-appointed Governor, General James Murray, Burton was made brigadier (commander) of the army in the new British province of Quebec. He was also made colonel of the 3rd Foot (the Buffs). After continual conflict with Governor Murray, both he and Burton were recalled to Britain in 1766.

Despite being an influential figure in Canadian military and geopolitical history, little is known about Burton's life outside of the Army. A 1767 will mentions a young wife, Margaret, and their son and daughter, as well as an estate in Yorkshire, England and a townhouse in London.