Henry was employed by the Lehigh Crane Iron Works as an accountant for several years and in 1866 he became the bookkeeper of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company. In 1874 he became treasurer of the firm and he held that position until the company ceased operations in 1893.

Henry Davis was elected Chief Burgess of Catasauqua in 1878 and he served as such thru 1880. He was also appointed postmaster of Catasauqua by President William McKinley in 1898 and he served in this capacity until his death.