Nathaniel Cobb Deering

Nathaniel Cobb Deering (September 2, 1827 – December 11, 1887) was a three-term Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa's 4th congressional district, then in northeastern Iowa.

Born in Denmark, Maine to James and Elizabeth Prentiss Deering, Nathanial Deering attended the common schools and was graduated from North Bridgeton Academy. After teaching school and working as a store clerk, he left to participate in the California Gold Rush in 1850, returning after two years with a "considerable fortune."

In 1881, the congressional districts in Iowa were reapportioned to accommodate the addition of two new districts. In northeastern Iowa, Deering's home county and the home county of third district representative Thomas Updegraff were included in the reconfigured fourth district. Updegraff ran for the Republican nomination for the seat, but in May 1882, Deering announced that he would not be a candidate. In all, Deering served in Congress from March 4, 1877 to March 3, 1883.

Returning to Iowa, Deering engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was also interested in cattle raising in Montana, and at the time of his death served as president of a large cattle company in that territory.

He died in Osage on December 11, 1887, while suffering from malaria. He was interred in Osage Cemetery.