Born in Waterville, Lamoille County, Vermont. A resident of Adrian, Lenawee County, Michigan when he enlisted in the 9th Michigan Battery for three years at Adrian, Michigan. The 9th Michigan Battery was incorporated into the 1st Michigan Light Artillery as Battery I. Mustered in as 2nd Sergeant of Battery I on 29 Aug 1862. Promoted to 1st Sergeant on 23 Mar 1864. Commissioned as 1st Lieutenant on 21 Jan 1864 and mustered in on 9 Apr 1864. Resigned his commission. Battle of Gettysburg 1863 was the first real battle in which the Battery was engaged. It was with the reserve artillery, but was actively engaged in this battle. The Battery was transferred in Oct 1863 to the Army of the Cumberland, and assigned to the Third Division, XX Corps. On 1 Mar 1864, started with Sherman to Atlanta and took part in every battle from Chattanooga to Atlanta. From 10 May to 3 Sep there were only ten days when the Battery was not under fire, and the Battery was the first battery to enter Atlanta after its evacuation. Roys was present with the Battery from the date of its organization to the date of his resignation. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Elected as a Delegate to the 1900 and 1901 Encampments of the Department of Washington and Alaska. Elected a Companion of the First Class in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) through the Washington Commandery on 20 Dec 1905. Died at his home in Tacoma, Washington.