Jan & David Faulkner wrote: > History of McLean County [IL], p. 1218 > > In 1860 he moved to the village > of Eureka, Ill., operating with his former success a general store until > shortly before his death, October 26, 1869. Mr. Neville was an ardent > supporter of the best interests of the communities in which he lived, and > his ability and general worth drew his way many political and other honors. > He was the first postmaster of the infant village of Mackinaw, and also > served as School and County Commissioner of Tazewell County. He was a > stanch supporter of education, and was one of the founders of the Church and > College at Eureka, a further evidence of his devotion to the tenets of the > Christian Church. That's interesting. I grew up in Eureka and always wondered who those "other Nevilles" were. Here's something from "History of Eureka, Illinois" by Burrus Dickinson (p. 57-58): In December 1849 Walnut Grove Academy was incorporated and under the leadership of Ben Major a two-story brick building was erected at a cost of $2500.... ....In 1854 a boarding hall for 50 students was built and placed in the charge of R. M. Clark. The faculty had grown to four, Asa Fisher and John Neville teaching on the academy level, with Sara Fisher and Elmira Dickinson as assistants in the preparatory school. Early in 1855 the provisions for a college were completed.... At this stage the institution had grown beyond the strictly local sponsorship which had formed the academy. Eureka men held half of the 24 posts as trustees.... Along with these local leaders was a substantial element on the board from other communities. ...Christopher O. Neville from Mackinaw... Eureka College began its first session in Septembr 1855.