John Lindesay (died 1751) was the founder of the settlement of Cherry Valley, in Otsego County, New York.
He was a native of Scotland, and in December, 1730, he was commissioned as a naval officer of the port of New York by Governor John Montgomerie.
By patents dated from 1736 to 1741, Lindesay acquired about 20,000 acres (80 km²) of public land throughout the Province of New York.
Being inexperienced at farming, and with the French and Indian War at hand, Lindesay returned to the military and in 1744 was sent as a reinforcement to Fort Oswego on the western frontier.
On October 17, 1747, the Council taking into consideration several petitions of the Oswego traders, praying the Governor to continue Lieutenant Lindesay in the command of the garrison at Oswego, and the request of the Indians of the Six Nations to the same purpose; and being also of opinion from their own knowledge of Mr. Lindesay, that he is well qualified for that command, and the more so on the account of his engaging Address to the Indians, unanimously resolved to recommend his Excellency to order Lieutenant Lindesay to repair to Oswego, to take the command of the garrison there.