John Deakin Heaton is primarily known for his role in the foundation of the Yorkshire College, the precursor of the present University. Educated at Leeds Grammar School, he entered Leeds Medical School in 1835, followed by clinical work and qualification in Medicine at University College Hospital. After working as a physician and lecturer at the School, he became President of the School in 1850-1 and in 1858-9.
Between 1865 and 1879, he was Treasurer of the School and in 1869 was invited to be Vice-Chairman of the funding committee for a College of Science. He was so successful in securing industrial partnerships and the support of the Clothworkers Company of London that he was appointed the first Chairman of Council of the Yorkshire College of Science. The College opened on 26 October 1874 in Cookridge Street, promoted the education of both sexes and delivered lectures in other towns in Yorkshire.
Heaton lived at Claremont on Clarendon Road, now home of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society. He died in 1880.
