John Anthony House

William and Ella Anson built the house in 1890. However, they only lived here for two years before selling it to Henry Anson (whether he was William's brother or some other relative is unknown), who first arrived in Oregon, with his wife Esther, in 1874. John Anthony was born in Switzerland in 1863 and immigrated to America with his family around 1880 (his original name was Johann Anton Koelbener but he changed it to John Anthony in 1898). He arrived in La Grande in 1888 and opened a candy factory and bakery in 1892. Three years later, he bought the house from Henry Anson.

The candy business did well which enabled Anthony to add a grocery store in 1898. He sold the grocery in 1901 and used the money to buy the lot next door and build the other house. He also partnered with another man and started a lumber business, which apparently lasted only until 1902. In the coming years, Anthony engaged in other business. He and his wife, Mathilde, divorced in 1906; he deeded the house to her that year and then the other house in 1907. The John Anthony House was a private residence for several decades. It is unknown when the law firm acquired it.

Evans, John W. "Anthony, John, House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. September 22, 1988. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/d7f36127-83e6-419a-9dc7-975114ff722f.