The family emigrated in 1847 on the Oregon Trail, leaving the main route for California. They took a Northern route of travel and decided to change course and head to California, despite the danger and crossing Donner Pass where one year prior in November 1846, the Donner family had died. They were hungry and struggled but made the journey and first arriving at Sutter's Fort and later at the Pueblo of San Jose (later known as the city of San Jose, California). Anthony helped establish the San Jose First United Methodist Church which was founded in 1847.