University of Kentucky - Kentuckian Yearbook (Lexington, KY)

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IN MEMORIAM JOHN HENRY NEVILLE 'll'hat is man that thou art mindful of him? —T s. 8:4. Prohor Neville, the X.stor of classical learning at State University of Kentucky, is dead. and. in departing, leaves no superior to take his place. 1 e was born November 1G. Ib T, in (’hristinn County. Kentucky. Often have we lieara him say: Mv birthplace was fourteen miles south of that of .Jefferson I a'is. am it. is strange that I was not as inveterate a Confederate as he. It was not, however, t be so, for. while still young, he moved to Ta .well County, Illinois. After receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in IS It), and that of Master 0! Arts in iSo , from Bethany College, West Virginia, he became Professor of Greek, Cat in, and Higher Mathematics at Eureka College, Illinois. He was one of its founders, as well as a professor of this institution for five years. From 185' to ISoS. he was Professor of Latin and Greek in Christian University, Canton, Missouri. His whole inclination was toward a literary life, and in 1859, lie returned to his native state and taught until 1865 in Kentucky University of Uarrodsburg. When the same institution was reorganized and incorporated with Transylvania University, lie still retained his connection with it until 1880. In this year, he became Dean of the Classical Department and Professor of Latin and Greek at Kentucky State College, which position he held until his. death. I11 1899, the Stale College of Kentucky conferred on him the degree of Pm:tor of Laws. Dr. Neville was a scholar of wide and varied erudition. A refined and thoughtful man, he gave to all that courtesy which marks the majesty of a gentleman. Though not without the tendency to meditation, revery and introspection which accompanies genius, he lived his own life of unremitting study and unceasing application. In conversation, his historical remarks were concise, graphic, and without undue explanatory comment, betraying a fine sense of historical mindedness. Carefully and quietly, he studied the political and social questions of his day, never ceasing to be a scholar and a philosophical thinker. Tn his work, the Professor was exact: he had no tolerance for illiteracy, no patience with mediocrity. Of the reality of the future world, he had full assurance, and on occasions spoke to his classes of its nearness to him. “Calmly he looked to either side and here Saw nothing to regret or there—to fear. Whatever the future may hold in store for individual history, .lie Doctor's students will never allow his memory to fall within the shadow of oblivion. In the class-room, lie was devoted, kind, patient, and indulgent: he extended to each the same unreserved candor which lie demanded for himself. We shall never forget his beautiful and consummate translation of the Oarminum XIV, Liber II of Horace, and of the last chapter of the Agricola of Tacitus. The surest evidence of his greatness is evinced by the permanent conquest lie has made of the esteem and affection of a loyal student constituency; and in after years, he shall live as the central figure of their most pleasant reminiscent moods.’when tliev may trulv sav that “There he stands in memory to this day. erect, self-poised, A witness to ages as they pass. That simple duty has no place foi fear.” 6