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.
Early life Caven was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to Scotch-Irish and English American parents.
Career 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 (1869–1873), representing Marion CountyCAVEN, John in Men of progress, Indiana : a selected list of biographical sketches and portraits of the leaders in business, professional and official life, together with brief notes of the history and character of Indiana; by Cumback, Will; Maynard, J. B; McGrath, Hugh J; Stoddard, William; published 1899 by Indianapolis Sentinel Company; via archive.org 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.
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