Joseph L. Heywood (August 1, 1815 – October 16, 1910) was a local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 19th century, and the founder of Nephi, Utah. Heywood was born in Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. In 1839 he moved to Quincy, Illinois where he was a merchant. It was here that he first met the Mormons, and later joined The LDS Church on a visit to Nauvoo. Heywood was baptized by Orson Hyde. While still in Nauvoo Heywood was called as a bishop.