To escape the turmoil which had erupted in Uruguay, he chartered the brig Bernard (240 tons, Crawney master) and sailed to South Australia, arriving in Adelaide in May 1853.
On 26 June 1894, he was appointed manager of the South Australian Company, succeeding William J. Brind, and still held that position at the time of his death.
He also held directorships in the Executor, Trustee, and Agency Co., and the Glenelg Railway Company.
Henry, a keen athlete, was secretary of Adelaide Football Club[2] and the South Australian Cricketing Association (succeeding John Pickering) and made a life member, the Adelaide Rowing Club, and the Glenelg Oval Association.
[6] Henry Palafox Gerona Sparks (ca.1810 – 18 April 1870) married Sarah Waterworth (ca.1816 – 5 January 1898).