Joseph Neville

Early life

Joseph Neville, Jr., was born December 2, 1733 in Gloucester County, 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 Milita.

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.