David Henry was born in Pennsylvania in 1770, six years before America gained its independence. He moved first to Kentucky, then to Champaign County, Ohio before settling in the region of Miami County that would become Shelby County. When he and his family arrived in February of 1814, there were no other settlers within 3 miles of their location in Perry Township. David Henry’s twins, David Jr. and Sally, were the first children born in the township on February 17, 1815. He was also the first in the township to construct both a log and frame house. Members of the United Brethren church first held their services in the Henry home before erecting a building along Mosquito Creek.
David Henry was one of the most prominent and leading citizens in the organization of Shelby County in 1819. After he gained experience working for the Perry Township Trustees, David Henry was appointed as clerk to the Board of Commissioners, becoming a commissioner himself for a short period of time in the fall of 1820. When Sidney was established, he was appointed its director by the commissioners and placed in charge of the survey and sale of lots, laying them out in 5 by 10 rod lots in blocks of eight, with alleyways dividing them into four equal parts. He was also in charge of laying out the public square as well as the survey and placement of roads through Sidney.
Aside from his duties as clerk and Sidney’s director, David Henry held several other positions over the years as well. He was appointed Justice of the Peace multiple times and served in 1817, 1821, 1824-1826, and 1829. He also served as the county’s auditor in 1824 and gained the title of “Judge” when he became the Associate Judge of the Common Pleas Court in 1826. Judge David Henry held some form of office position until he passed away on March 29, 1834. His impeccable records helped tremendously in recording the early history of Shelby County.