Nicknamed the "Boy Governor" for his youth, 32 years of age, Neville was elected in 1916 as governor of Nebraska, serving from 1917 to 1919. During his tenure a rigorous liquor law was sanctioned and World War I issues were dealt with. In 1918 Neville was defeated for re-election as governor by
Republican Samuel R. McKelvie and returned to North Platte, where he continued to be active in banking and ranching as well as politics. He was a delegate to the
Democratic National Convention from Nebraska in 1920, 1932 and 1956. He was the Democratic nominee for
U.S. Senator from Nebraska in 1954, but lost to Republican
Congressman Carl Curtis. For seventeen years, Neville also was coach of the North Platte High School football team. ==Death and legacy==