James Cowlishaw (19 December 1834 – 25 July 1929)[1] was an architect, businessman and politician in Queensland (initially a colony, then a state of Australia from 1901).

Cowlishaw was born in Sydney, where he was educated at St. James's Grammar School, and went to Queensland in 1861 to practise as an architect.

[3] Cowlishaw was part proprietor and managing director for some years of the Brisbane Evening Telegraph, but sold his interest in the newspaper in 1885.

He then succeeded Lewis Bernays as chairman in March 1879, and held that position until 1920.

Cowlishaw died in Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland[1] and was buried in Toowong Cemetery.