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.

[4] In 1877, the firm was reorganized as a corporation, with Edward as president, Henry as vice-president, and Colonel V. M. Wilcox as manager and secretary.

[2] Within the company, Henry was responsible for the manufacturing department and improved the use of colloidal and paper printing processes.

In 1855, he became the editor of the Annual Bulletin of Photographic Invention and Improvement, which was published by the company in altered forms until and after his death in 1884.

[3] He died suddenly, a few days after being hit by a passing vehicle while crossing a street in New York.