| John Caven | |
| Office: | Member of the Indiana Senate |
| Term: | 1887 |
| Term Start1: | 1869 |
| Term End1: | 1873 |
| Office2: | 9th and 12th Mayor of Indianapolis |
| Term Start2: | 1875 |
| Term End2: | 1881 |
| Predecessor2: | James L. Mitchell |
| Successor2: | Daniel W. Grubbs |
| Term Start3: | 1863 |
| Term End3: | 1867 |
| Predecessor3: | Samuel D. Maxwell |
| Successor3: | Daniel McCauley |
| Birth Date: | 12 April 1824 |
| Birth Place: | Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Party: | Republican |
John Caven (April 12, 1824 - March 9, 1905) was an Indiana politician and Freemason who served as the 9th and 12th mayor of Indianapolis. He was also a member of the Indiana Senate.[1] [2]
Caven was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to Scotch-Irish and English American parents.
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. He won a second term in 1865.[3] 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. He won a third term as a state senator in 1887.