John Thomas Lesley (May 12, 1835 – July 13, 1913) was a cattleman and pioneer in Tampa, Florida.

He was the son of Leroy G. Lesley, a pioneer Florida settler who was a minister, soldier, cattleman and Tampa civic leader.

Lesley formed his own volunteer company the "Sunny South Guards", and commanded a unit of the "Cow Cavalry", until he was wounded and replaced by W. B. Henderson.

His marriage to William T. Brown's daughter Margaret created what would become a powerful dynasty in business, politics and agriculture.

[1] Lesley is buried in downtown Tampa's Oaklawn Cemetery.