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.

It was here that he first met the Mormons, and later joined The LDS Church on a visit to Nauvoo.

In 1846 when the Latter-day Saints left Nauvoo, Heywood was appointed a trustee to sell property of the LDS Church along with Almon Babbitt and John S. Fullmer.

Later in Utah Heywood served as the first bishop of the 17th Ward in Salt Lake City.

Heywood's house in Salt Lake City, which was on the block where the Conference Center is today, was still identified with him after his move to southern Utah, and it was John Morgan's first residence on coming to Utah.