John Caven (American politician)

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] [3]}

John Caven
John Caven in 1899
Member of the Indiana Senate
In office 1887
In office 1869–1873
9th and 12th Mayor of Indianapolis
In office 1875–1881
Preceded by	James L. Mitchell
Succeeded by	Daniel W. Grubbs
In office 1863–1867
Preceded by	Samuel D. Maxwell
Succeeded by	Daniel McCauley
Personal details
Born	(1824-04-12)April 12, 1824 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	March 9, 1905(1905-03-09) (aged 80) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Resting place	Crown Hill Cemetery and Arboretum, Section 13, Lot 46 39.8192946°N 86.1759682°W / 39.8192946; -86.1759682
Political party	Republican

Early life

Caven was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to Scotch-Irish and English American parents.^[3]

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.^[1] 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.^[1] He won a third term as a state senator in 1887.^[2]

Tombstone for John Caven at Crown Hill Cemetery and Arboretum.