Background
Edward Anthony was born in 1819 in New York City, United States. The family derives their descent from Allard Anthony, an immigrant from Holland to New Amsterdam about 1628, who was one of the first five councilmen of the new colony.
Edward Anthony was born in 1819 in New York City, United States. The family derives their descent from Allard Anthony, an immigrant from Holland to New Amsterdam about 1628, who was one of the first five councilmen of the new colony.
Edward Anthony graduated from Columbia College in 1838, with an excellent record.
Beginning life as a civil engineer, he obtained employment in building the original Croton Aqueduct, through which New York long drew its supply of pure drinking water from country streams and ponds. His practical knowledge proved of invaluable assistance, and soon placed the house of E. Anthony in the front rank in New York. Henry T. Anthony, his brother, joined him in 1852, the firm becoming the E. & H. T. Anthony & Company. In 1877, the firm was reorganized as a corporation, with Anthony as president, his brother as vice-president, and Colonel V. M. Wilcox as manager and secretary.
Anthony was married in 1848, to Margaretta R., daughter of James Montgomery. They had a son, Richard A. Anthony (born May 24, 1861), and two daughters: Jane Kipp and Eleanor Montgomery.