Born in Union Springs, New York, Anthony moved to Leavenworth, Kansas in 1858 where he worked as a clerk in the office of the Register of Deeds. In 1860 Anthony came to Denver, and from 1861-1862 he served as secretary to territorial Governor John Evans. In 1862 he served as clerk of the First Judicial District under Judge Benjamin Hall. In 1865 he was chosen secretary of the Colorado State Constitutional Convention. In 1867 Anthony was elected Arapahoe County clerk and recorder, and in 1876 he was elected to the Colorado State Legislature. He died in Denver in 1896.