John Cowan (November 12, 1847 – March 24, 1927) was a businessman and politician in Newfoundland.
He represented Bonavista in the Newfoundland House of Assembly from 1897 to 1900 as a Conservative.
He was born in St. John's and was educated at the General Protestant Academy.
& W. Stewart's; when that company ceased to operate in Newfoundland, Cowan took over the business.
Cowan was a prominent member of the local freemason lodge.