John Thomas Scharf (May 1, 1843 – February 28, 1898) was an American historian, author, journalist, antiquarian, politician, lawyer and Confederate States of America soldier and sailor.

Rather than trying to analyze the source material, he often quoted at length from newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, and state and city documents.

His books are written in the flowery style of his day, and several of his works, although long, are still considered among the best primary sources available.

Still, his History of the Confederate States Navy remains a particularly valuable contribution to the literature of the American Civil War.

[3] In 1878, Scharf, a Democrat from Baltimore City-District 2, was elected and served one term in the Maryland General Assembly, House of Delegates.