Neeses was known as Silver Springs from its early settlement until September 29, 1898, when its name was changed to honor Mayor John W. Neese, who had sold a right of way to the South Bound Railroad Co. on May 18, 1891. Neese, the first merchant, also built and gave to the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad Co. the first depot that stood near this site. Merchants prior to 1900 included J.W. Neese, H.L.J. Blume, T.J. Bolin, and J.W.B. Chaplin. In 1970 the town council was Henry M. Chaplin, mayor, L.C. Bonnette, Roscoe Gleaton, F.F. Corbett, O.S. Gleaton, and S.J. Tindal, clerk.