James Shewan

James Shewan (6 January 1848, Rora, Aberdeenshire - 7 May 1914) was a Scottish-American businessman who made his fortune in real estate in the United States. He was the founder of the largest dry dock and ship repairing facility in the Port of New York.

Shewan was born on 6 January 1848 in Rora, Aberdeenshire. His father died when he was four years old. He was apprenticed to a ship carpenter, and in 1869 he moved to New York City. In New York he started a dry dock and ship repair business, first called Shewan and Palmer, later Shewan and Jenkins. In 1877 Shewan bought out Jenkins and became the sole owner of the business.

In 1870 Shewan married Ellen Curley. They had three daughters and two sons.

Shewan died on 7 May 1914. His business passed into the hands of his sons.