Father of Guelma (McLean), Susan B, Mary, Daniel R, J. Merritt and Eliza. He was successful in the Massachusetts textile business before a recession forced him to seek less expensive habitation, whereupon he settled near Rochester in Western New York. His revolutionary ideas about equality and freedom influenced all of his children, most notably Susan B, who went on to become a leading advocate for women's rights.
The following obituary was provided by Find A Grave member Barb
DEATH OF DANIEL ANTHONY.
Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 29, 1862.
Dear Mr. Garrison,—The friends of impartial justice and universal freedom have just lost a most valuable and devoted coadjutor in the death of Daniel Anthony, of this city; the father of our esteemed friend Susan B. Anthony, and of Col. D. R. Anthony, of Kansas, aged 69 years. He died on Tuesday night the 25th inst.
He was a man distinguished for his personal integrity, and of rare traits of character. Of Quaker education, he outgrew the limits of mere sectarian association, and gave himself unreservedly to world-wide humanity. He was among the early advocates of Temperance, and as early as 1827 organized a Temperance Society in Washington County, N.Y., which proved an instrumentality of great good.
Subsequently, he became interested in the Anti-Slavery cause, and for a long series of years he has been in earnest, steadfast friend of the enslaved and persecuted colored race. No higher tribute can be accorded to any one than to say that he was emphatically the colored man's friend.
He was, also, interested in the Woman's Rights movement. He saw very clearly, and felt keenly, the injustice of the many disabilities growing out of the position of legal inferiority assigned to woman. In an unostentatious way, he did much by his personal efforts to advance the interests of this comprehensive human rights cause, and gave an invaluable moral support and encouragement to her, who inherits his name, in the good works by which she is widely known, and as highly esteemed.
He had an active, independent mind, and vigorously grappled with the problems of life. He acknowledged supreme authority, neither in Bishop nor Book, but rather in the revelations of the "inner light" in his own soul.
Unobtrusive in manner, he was best and truly known only to those nearest him in social and friendly relations. He was a loving, devoted husband, and affectionate father, and to true friend. From his cherished fireside, and his accustomed social circle, to which he imparted much of life and interest as a most genial companion, he will indeed be greatly missed.
The funeral services were held this morning at this late residence, a large assemblage of relatives and sympathizing friends being present. The exercises were conducted very impressively by Rev. Samuel J. May. Fitting inappropriate attributes to the memory of the deceased were also given by Frederick Douglass, George W. Clark, and Aaron M. Powell. His memory will ever be precious to us; and in his living exemplification of rare personal merit and beautiful simplicity, he has left a rich legacy to all whom knew him.
A. M. P.
All the Rochester papers pay a well-deserved tribute to the character and worth of Mr. Anthony. The Democrat says—"He always maintained and enviable reputation for strict honesty and business integrity. He was a good citizen, an upright man, a useful member of society, and his death will be deeply regretted."—[Ed. Lib.]
Source: The Liberator, Boston, Massachusetts, 5 Dec 1862, Page 195
