Joseph Neville

Joseph Neville Jr. (December 2, 1733 – March 4, 1819) was an American soldier and statesman from Virginia. He represented Hampshire County in the Virginia House of Burgesses between 1773 and 1776. He represented Virginia in the United States House of Representatives from 1793 until 1795. He died in Hardy County, Virginia on March 4, 1819 at the age of 85.

Early life 
Joseph Neville, Jr., was born December 2, 1733 in Gloucester County, Colony of Virginia, to Joseph Neville, Sr., and Ann Bohannon Neville. His father, a landowner, was a patriot during the American Revolution, who provided the troops with food and supplies over the course of the war. The surname Neville appears in several different forms in early documents; Neavil, Nevil, Nevill, and Neavel are other common variations of the name.

Work as a Surveyor 
Neville was engaged with Colonel Alexander McLean in surveying the Mason–Dixon line beyond what had been previously surveyed in 1782. A report concerning their advancements was submitted to Governor Benjamin Harrison, and the Assembly of Virginia.

Military Service 
Joseph Neville served in the American Revolution as a Colonel in the Continental Army. His services to the newly formed government of Virginia included the disposal of the estate of John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, who had recently been ousted as the Governor of Virginia. He was commissioned to do so with Enoch Innes.

Following an act passed by the Virginia Assembly on December 2, 1792, militias were established throughout the state at the county level. These county militias were further organized in brigades and division. Neville, now a Brigadier General, commanded the 18th Brigade, which was composed of the 14th, 46th, and 77th Regiments. His 18th Brigade fell under the 3rd Division of Militia.

Neville later served in the War of 1812 as the Brigadier General of the Virginia Militia from Hardy County. He was appointed on December 24, 1803, and served in that position until his death. His service in the War of 1812 was mainly in a reserve role. An 1814 letter from the Adjutant General's office in Richmond, Virginia, mentions Neville among several other militia generals who were ordered to stand ready to mobilize their respective troops "at a moment's warning".

Death 
Neville died in Hardy County, Virginia on March 4, 1819, at the age of 85.

External links
Congressional biography
Find A Grave

References

Category:1733 births
Category:1819 deaths
Category:People from Gloucester County, Virginia
Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia
Category:People from Hampshire County, West Virginia
Category:West Virginia colonial people
Category:Members of the Virginia House of Delegates
Category:People from Hardy County, West Virginia
Category:House of Burgesses members
Category:Continental Army generals