He was born in 1817/18 (6 (44 in 1862), 7 (44 in 1862)). He was born in Salem, New Jersey (6, 7).
When he enlisted, he was a clerk (6, 7).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 11 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and grey hair (6, 7).
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 30 January 1862 (1, 6, 7). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Sinex (6, 7). He was mustered in by JA Gregory (6). He was a private, in company D (1, 12-13).
He was promoted to corporal when Charles Neide was reduced to the ranks, on 9 January 1862 (4). (Given the date he was mustered in, perhaps he was promoted effective 30 January, and not on 30 January.)
He was on duty at the first division, as Corporal of the Guard, on 8 August 1862 (8). He took a prisoner to the slave pen, where E Carroll Brewster took charge of the prisoner (8). He later testified that he had known Brewster since 1832, and did not think Brewster was drunk when he saw him about noon, four hours before Brewster was relieved (8).
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg (10). He was a corporal (10).
On 22 July 1863, General Sykes detailed him for duty at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2). He was a corporal in December [?] 1863 (3).
In July 1864, he was responsible for feeding 4200 men at Camp Cadwallader (11). One man described him as "an efficient and worthy officer", who was "just the right man in the right place" (11). He apparently had to stop fights in addition to feeding the men (11).
He was still there in September (?) 1864 (2). He was a corporal (2).
He mustered out near Petersburg, Virginia, on 30 January 1865, when his term expired (1, 5, 10). He was a corporal, in company D (1, 5, 12-13).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (John Nevill)
2 [list of detailed men, probably from Sept 1864] (John Nevill)
3 company D, list of non-commissioned officers (John Neville [in "reorganization" list])
4 company D, list of non-commissioned officers (John Neville)
5 company D, register of men discharged ("reorganization" page) (John Neville)
6 company D, descriptive roll, corporals, entry 2 (John Neville)
7 company D, [second] descriptive roll, entry 97 (John Neville)
8 court-martial record, E Carroll Brewster (John Naville John Neville)
9 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (John Nevill)
10 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 15 February 1865 (Corpl Neville)
11 John C Myers. A daily journal of the 192d Regt Penn'a Volunteers commanded by Col. William B. Thomas in the service of the United States for one hundred days. Philadelphia: Crissy & Markley, printers, 1864. Pages 12-13. (John Neville)
12 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John Nevill)
13 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John Neville)
July 18. An entire company presented itself from Kennett Square, Chester County. It is one of the best companies in the service, and commanded by faithful, high-minded and gentlemanly officers. Part of another Regiment entered the grounds, and encamped east of the Twentieth. Considerable population now on the premises; all in the best humor, and waiting patiently [page 13] for the order to move to the front. General desire to join Gen. SHERIDAN's forces. Regiment full. Arms and accoutrements furnished to the men. The long lines of men to the Cooking house, to obtain their rations of beef, bacon, bread, soup, and coffee, have attained enormous proportions. To get the supply each one is entitled to receive, is a work of time and patience. Rations are given to every man wearing the uniform of the United States. This department is under the Superintendence of Corporal JOHN NEVILLE, of the 91st Pa. Reg't. He is an efficient and worthy officer, who has to feed to-day 4200 soldiers, morning noon and evening. His task is one of no ordinary magnitude, exposing him, too, to all sorts of acrimonious criticism from men having all sorts of tastes to gratify, which cannot be done with the plain and wholesome fare offered by Uncle Sam's vast hotel. He listens to their complaints and imprecations very complacently, and never stops stuffing them with good substantial food. His guests too, when in line often become unruly and show belligerent qualities, such as he thinks are only intended for the rebels, when he steps into the melee and at once settles all further dispute. He is just the right man in the right place.