John Caven (April 12, 1824 – March 9, 1905) was an Indiana politician and Freemason who served as the 9th and 12th mayor of Indianapolis.

[1] [2] [3] Caven was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to Scotch-Irish and English American parents.

[3] Caven moved to Indianapolis in 1845, began law studies two years later, and opened a practice.

In May 1863, Caven, running as a Republican, was elected mayor without opposition.

[1] Caven then served two terms in the Indiana Senate (1869–1873), representing Marion County[4] before returning to serve another three consecutive terms (1875–1881) as mayor of Indianapolis.