John R. Needham (December 18, 1824 – July 9, 1868) was an American Republican politician, lawyer, and newspaper editor.Born in Washington Court House, Ohio, Needham studied law and was admitted to the bar in Ohio. He then moved to Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa, where he founded what became the The Oskaloosa Herald. He served in the Iowa State Senate and then was elected Lieutenant Governor 1862–1864 serving under Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood.