John Cowan (November 12, 1847 – March 24, 1927) was a businessman and politician in Newfoundland. He represented Bonavista in the Newfoundland House of Assembly from 1897 to 1900 as a Conservative.

He was born in St. John's and was educated at the General Protestant Academy. He first worked as a draper, later working as a bookkeeper for several firms. He became manager at J. & W. Stewart's; when that company ceased to operate in Newfoundland, Cowan took over the business.

Cowan was a prominent member of the local freemason lodge. He married Eliza Julia Earle.^[1]