Neville, Dennis bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 691–692; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Dennis Neville. The subject of this sketch is an agriculturalist of prominence who, notwithstanding the reverses and discouragements that almost invariably attend the career of bread-winners throughout the world, has come boldly to the front, and with the push and energy characteristic of him, has surmounted all difficulties. He is at the present writing a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser and is held in the highest esteem by neighbors and friends in Joshua Township.
On the 12th of November, 1834, Mr. Neville was born, being the son of Patrick and Johanna Neville, natives of the Emerald Isle. At an early day they bade farewell to County Limerick, where they were born, and journeyed forth to find a home in the broad and prosperous country of America. Upon reaching the new land, they settled at St. Johns, New Brunswick, and there continued to reside for one year. At the expiration of that time they crossed over to the States, and choosing Maryland as a desirable place to live, located there, about ten miles from the city of Baltimore.
The parents of our subject was blessed with thirteen children, four of whom were born in Ireland, one in St. Johns, and the others in Maryland. About June 1, 1835, the family removed to Illinois, and purchased land on the northern part of section 22, in Joshua Township. After about eight years passed happily here, the father departed this life, having attained the age of sixty-five years, and nine years later the mother followed her husband to a final resting place, she being at the time of her death sixty seven years of age. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents up to the time of their death, being a most devoted son and constant in his attentions.
Mr. Neville was married on February 27, 1865, to Miss Frances Murray, whose birth occurred August 23, 1840. Of this union seven children have been born, namely: Mary, February 19, 1866; John, who was born May 2, 1867, is deceased; John, born May 3, 1868; Edward, October 30, 169; Frances, January 2, 1872; Celetine, January 3, 1875, and Stephen, December 27, 1877. These children are all at home at the present date.