Biography:

Dr. Peter Nicholas Davey and his twin brother William Richard Davey were born near Tyrone (Durham County), Ontario on the 3rd of  December, 1845. Dr. Davey’s parents, Robert Davey and the former Elizabeth Bullock were both born and raised in Cornwall, England.  His siblings were; Walter “John” Davey, Sarah Davey, his twin brother William Richard Davey and a younger sister named Mary Ann Davey.

Dr. Davey was raised on a farm and attended schools in the Peterborough area. At the age of 19 he moved to Toronto and attended the Normal School to become a teacher. He taught school for many years. In 1879 he enrolled in Trinity College’s Medical Program and graduated M.D.,C.M. in 1884. Dr. Davey attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland. He wrote and passed the exams in 1884 graduating L., L.M., R.C.P.

Dr. Davey returned to Canada and started a medical practice in Duart. According to the 1928 Ontario Medical Register, Dr. Davey joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons on the 15th of November, 1884.

Dr. Davey married Margaret Elizabeth Genge on the 7th of November, 1889 in Bothwell.  Mrs. Davey and her twin brother Edwin Henry Genge were born on the 10th of August, 1864.  They were the youngest of 9 children born to Richard S. Genge and the former Catherine Patterson. Her father was the local undertaker and furniture manufacturer.  Her siblings were; Daniel Genge, Samuel Genge, John P. Genge (who died on the 14th of October, 1877 at the age of 23), Sarah Genge, twins William B. Genge (who died of tuberculosis on the 29th of September, 1877 at the age of 19) and Christina Genge, Richard R. Genge and Mrs. Davey’s twin brother, Edwin Henry Genge.

Dr. and Mrs. Davey had 6 children, all born in Duart. Ethel Gladys Davey was born on the 07th of March, 1890, Edna Irene Davey was born on the 19th of September, 1891, Clarence Genge Davey was born on the 23rd of May, 1893, Hazel Catherine Davey was born on the 28th of June, 1896, Edith Gertrude Davey was born on the 27th of March, 1898 and Margaret Helen Davey was born on the 28th of March, 1901.

Dr. Davey was actively involved in local education and sat on the boards of the Ridgetown Collegiate Institute and the Duart Public School. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Chosen Friends and the Foresters.  Dr. Davey was a member of the Presbyterian Church and he was a Liberal Party supporter.  Dr. Davey was listed in the 1900 Farmers and Business Directory for Elgin, Essex, Kent and Lambton Counties.

Dr. Davey died in Duart on the 2nd of February, 1909.

After his death Mrs. Davey moved to 236 Hyman Street in London, Ontario with her 6 children.  Mrs. Davey died on October 31st, 1962.  Dr. and Mrs. Davey were buried at the Duart Cemetery.

*Dr. Davey’s daughter Margaret Helen Davey married Dr. John Archibald Lamont in London, Ontario on the 11th of December, 1926.  Dr. Lamont did not practice medicine in Chatham-Kent.

**Dr. Davey’s son, Clarence Genge Davey served with the United States Army during World War II.  His grandson, Peter Euan Davey (son of Clarence) served as a B29 Pilot with the United States Air Force during World War II.

***Photo of Dr. Davey courtesy of Suzy Davey Peers.