David Petrikin was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He studied medicine and was admitted to practice. He moved to Danville, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the practice of medicine. During the War of 1812, he served as a surgeon with the Second Regiment of the Pennsylvania Riflemen. After the war returned to Danville and continued the practice of medicine. He also erected and operated a woolen mill. He was elected prothonotary of Columbia County, Pennsylvania, on March 15, 1821. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He served as postmaster of Danville from February 1, 1834, to March 21, 1837.