Henry Schley Ervay (c.  June 1, 1834 – August 21, 1911), merchant, capitalist, was mayor of Dallas (1870–1872), and continued to be involved in the affairs of the city by serving as alderman (1873–1882).

Henry Ervay was engaged in several enterprises as a young man including surveying and exploring in the American and Canadian west and working for the Butterfield Overland Mail Company.

[3] He and other Texans volunteered to serve with General William Walker in the war for freedom in Nicaragua.

Even though Ervay was elected by the citizens in 1871, General Joseph J. Reynolds, head of the federal military, ordered his removal and the appointment of Dr. J. W. Haynes.

[4][5] He left Texas with his family for Cripple Creek Colorado around 1888 to engage in mining enterprises.