Joseph Neville facts for kids

Joseph Neville Jr. (born December 2, 1733 – died March 4, 1819) was an important American figure from Virginia. He was a soldier, a farmer who owned large lands (called a planter), and a politician. He fought in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Neville also served in Virginia's government, including the House of Burgesses and the Virginia House of Delegates. Later, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He passed away at 85 years old in what is now Hardy County, West Virginia.

Early Life and Family

Joseph Neville Jr. was born on December 2, 1733, in Gloucester County, Virginia. His parents were Joseph Neville Sr. and Ann Bohannon Neville. He grew up with at least five brothers and two sisters.

His older brother, John, became a career soldier. He fought in the French and Indian War and later became a general. Joseph's younger brothers, William and James, also served in the military. Their father, Joseph Sr., was too old to fight but helped the American troops by providing food and supplies during the Revolution.

In 1764, Joseph Neville Jr. married Agnes Brown in Bedford County, Virginia. They had ten children together, but only six lived to be adults.

Political Career

In 1772, Joseph Neville became a representative for Hampshire County in the House of Burgesses. This was Virginia's law-making body at the time. He served alongside John Mercer. Both men were re-elected in 1774.

During this time, American colonists were unhappy with new laws from Britain. Joseph Neville signed an agreement in May 1774 to stop buying British goods. This was a way to protest against what colonists called the Intolerable Acts.

When the British governor closed the legislature, voters in Hampshire County continued to elect Neville and Mercer. They represented the county in early meetings called the Revolutionary Conventions. These meetings helped set up Virginia's new government.

Later, Neville was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1777–1778 and again in 1780. This was another important law-making group in Virginia.

Military Service

During the American Revolutionary War, Joseph Neville was a high-ranking officer. He was the county lieutenant for Hampshire County, holding the rank of colonel. His brother John Neville also led Virginia troops in major battles like Trenton and Monmouth.

Joseph Neville helped the new government of Virginia by managing property taken from the former British governor, Lord Dunmore. He also helped supply troops. For example, in 1776, he was paid for providing supplies to Captain Abel Westfall's Company, which defended Charleston, South Carolina.

Surveying and Community Roles

In 1782, Joseph Neville worked with Colonel Alexander McLean to survey the Mason–Dixon line. This was to mark the western border of Pennsylvania. Their work helped settle land disputes between Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Neville was also involved in his local community. In 1784, he became a trustee for the new town of Moorefield, West Virginia. He was a farmer who raised cattle to sell in Baltimore. He also had a share in a local store.

In 1785, Hardy County was created from part of Hampshire County. Joseph Neville and his family lived in this new county.

Later Military Service

In the 1790s, Joseph Neville became a Brigadier General in the Virginia militia. He commanded the 18th Brigade, which included several regiments.

His brother John Neville, who lived in Pennsylvania, was also a general and a tax collector. In 1794, a protest against a tax, known as the Whiskey Rebellion, led to John Neville's house being burned. This event caused the government to send troops to stop the rebellion.

During the War of 1812, Joseph Neville continued to lead the Virginia Militia from Hardy County. Even though he was a general, his main role was to keep troops ready. He sent 55 men, including his son Jethro, to defend Norfolk.

Death

Joseph Neville died in Hardy County, Virginia, on March 4, 1819. He was 85 years old. His wife had passed away two years before him.