John Vinton Dahlgren (April 22, 1868 – August 11, 1899) was an American lawyer, Commissioner of Charities for the State of New York and the first husband of Elizabeth Wharton Drexel.

In December 1896, Dahlgren resigned his position in the Buildings Department due to his failing eyesight.

In early 1896 Dahlgren became president of New York and Pennsylvania Brick, Tile, and Terra Cotta Company.

[4] On June 29, 1889, Dahlgren married Elizabeth Wharton Drexel in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, New York City.

The newlyweds entertained quite a bit with guests including Cardinal Corrigan and many members of New York society.

Their second son, John Vinton Dahlgren, Jr. was born June 30, 1892, in Washington, D.C. During their marriage, they made numerous donations to Roman Catholic charities and to Georgetown University, including funds for the construction of Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart, as a memorial for their first son who died in infancy.