My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE NEVILLE. It often seems that the younger men outstrip their elders in the race for political honors. Activity and energy are greater in youth than in after life, and a child properly trained to habits of industry and frugality will most likely win success early in life. Such has been the experience of George Neville, the present City Treasurer of Chester, whose sketch now invites attention from the reader.

A native of this state, our subject was born in Pana August 2, 1865, and is the son of Capt. James Neville, whose birthplace is also in Illinois. The father is a man of fine education, being a graduate of the college at Lebanon, this state. He also prosecuted his studies in Chicago, and later in Omaha, Neb., where he is at present residing, and is now Judge of the District Court. Mrs. Neville departed this life in 1870, while residing in Chester.

Our subject was the elder of two sons born to his parents, and in his school days attended the public schools in this city. Later he went east and entered Cornell University, at Ithaca, and after completing his studies there returned home and engaged in the clothing business for some years. His partner in this enterprise was P. G. Jones, and the business was conducted under the title of Neville & Jones, dealers in men’s furnishing goods.

The lady whom our subject married in 1885 was Miss Mary, daughter of G. S. Jones. To them has been born one child, Gabriel G., whose birth occurred January 19, 1886. In his political relations Mr. Neville always votes with the Democratic party, on which ticket he was elected City Treasurer in April, 1893. He has been an energetic worker in the ranks of his party, and at various times has represented it on the County Central Committee. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and a member of Lodge No. 57. He is also a Knight of Pythias. He is always glad to assist in any way in promoting the interests of his township, which he has served faithfully in many positions of trust. Throughout the county he has many friends, who recognize the nobility of his character and realize that he deserves to be held in the highest esteem. In August, 1892, he was admitted to practice law in Mt. Vernon, this state. He is one of the youngest members of the legal fraternity, and it is safe to predict that he will reach the top round of the ladder of success.