Born in
Jacksonville, Illinois on December 11, 1849, Joy attended the public schools. He was graduated from
Yale College in 1874. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in St. Louis, Missouri in 1876. He was presented credentials as a
Republican Member-elect to the Fifty-third Congress and served until April 3, 1894, when he was succeeded by John J. O'Neill, who contested the election. He married Arabel Ordway in Salem, Connecticut on 1879. She died during the birth of their only child. Joy was elected to the Fifty-fourth and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1903). He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1902. He resumed the practice of his profession in St. Louis. He served as recorder of deeds from 1907 until March 22, 1921, when he resigned. He died in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 13, 1921. His remains were cremated and placed in Elks Rest at
Bellefontaine Cemetery. ==References==