John W. Deering was born in Saco in 1833, moving to Portland in 1867. As a young man, Deering was a sailor, eventually becoming a captain in the Mediterranean trade. After moving to Portland, he became involved in politics, serving in city government. He was elected mayor of Portland twice, once in 1883 and again in 1885. Deering was a strict enforcer of the law.

After his second term as mayor, Deering was appointed Collector of Port by President Cleveland. He died in 1904.