Dr. Roy E. Davis, the youngest regular physician and surgeon of White Hall, whose success, however, does not seem to be limited by this fact, was born in Carbondale, Illinois, December 14, 1875, his parents being the Rev. Thomas J. and Mary (Lacey) Davis, the former a representative of an old Southern family, while the Laceys are of French descent. John Davis, the grandfather, was related to Jefferson Davis, president of the Southern Confederacy. He died in 1857, at the age of fifty-five years. Rev. Thomas J. Lacey was a member of the Southern Illinois conference of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty years, devoting seven years of his life to evangelistic work. He was born in Virginia, Illinois, in 1842, and has been most active and efficient in the ministry. He now makes home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. His wife is a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Caulk) Lacey, both of whom are still living.

Having completed his literary course in the public schools Roy E. Davis prepared for the practice of the profession which he had determined to make his life work by pursuing a course in Barnes Medical College, at St. Louis, of which he is a graduate of the class of 1899. He located in South Dakota, where he lived for three and a half years, and in addition to the practice of his profession he performed the duties of county coroner of Charles Mix county, South Dakota, for two years, and was surgeon for a coal company. He afterward went to New York City, where he entered Bellevue Hospital and further prepared himself for his work. He was also a student in the Georgetown University, near Washington, where through hospital training he greatly broadened his knowledge and promoted his efficiency. He then came to White Hall on the 1st of March, 1904, and is now building up a fine practice among its best citizens, his business gradually increasing in volume and importance. He is thoroughly conversant with the latest discoveries in relation to the medical science and in his practice is demonstrating his ability to cope successfully with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician.

On the 16th of April, 1902, Dr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Mae Hissong, a daughter of James H. and Mary (Wilson) Hissong, both of whom were native of Pennsylvania. They now have one child, Denmead. Socially they are prominent, enjoying the hospitality of the best homes of the city, and the circle of their friends is constantly increasing. Dr. Davis, well known as a studious scholarly, refined and cultured gentleman, has already built up a fine practice and undoubtedly has a successful future before him.