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.
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. Caven then served two terms in the Indiana Senate (1869âÂÂ1873), representing Marion County before returning to serve another three consecutive terms (1875âÂÂ1881) as mayor of Indianapolis. He won a third term as a state senator in 1887.