It is a part of the Mansfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Located in the northeastern corner of the county, it borders the following townships: No municipalities are located in Butler Township.

[4] Upon the formation of Ashland County in 1846, the western two columns of sections of old Clear Creek Township which remained in Richland County were attached to make Blooming Grove Township six miles long by eight miles wide.

[5] Butler Township was created on 5 February 1849 by combining the Clear Creek addition and two columns of sections from the east part of Blooming Grove, assuming its present size of six miles long by four miles wide.

[6] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.