Henry served as a state senator from Washington County from 1865 to 1868, and from Chittenden County in 1888–1889. He served as mayor of Burlington from 1887 to 1889, succeeding George H. Morse and being succeeded by Seneca Haselton. He was appointed United States Marshal on April 10, 1879, replacing George P. Foster. He served until June 24, 1886, when he was succeeded by John Robinson. In 1892 he was appointed U.S. Immigration Inspector. From 1897 until 1907, he was the American Consul in Quebec.