David Patterson Henry was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 25, 1863. Henry worked alongside his family as a cigar manufacturer and merchant until the onset of the Spanish-American War when he joined the New York National Guard. During his time with the military, he served in the 14th New York Infantry and rose to the rank of Captain. Following the war, he relocated to New Bern (Craven County), where he signed a 1914 petition to express his support of W. W. Lawrence to be appointed notary public. Henry died in New Bern on December 4, 1931.