Henry Corby

Corby was born in Hanwell, England,^[1][2] in 1806.^[3][4] He was apprenticed to a baker in London.

In 1832, Corby married Alma Williams and moved to Belleville, then in Upper Canada,^[3][5] where he opened a general store and bakery,^[2] and secured a contract to supply the local militia.

On 24 December 1835, Alma and their three children drowned in the Bay of Quinte after the ice broke while the family were riding a sleigh.^[3][4]

In 1838, Corby became involved in shipping goods between Belleville and Kingston, and selling grain.^[2]

Corby served for a number of years on the Belleville village council and continued to be politically active as a Conservative. In 1855, he purchased a gristmill and foundeded his distillery in 1859.^[3][5][6][7]

In 1867, Corby was elected as the mayor of Belleville^[3][8] and an Ontario MPP representing Hastings East. He helped promote the development of railways in the area, which were a catalyst to increasing trade and residents. He left the office of mayor in 1868.^[3][8]

Corby retired from politics in 1875 due to declining health. He died on 25 October 1881.^[3][5] He was survived by his son, Henry Jr. (1851–1917).

The town where Corby's distillery was located was renamed as Corbyville in 1882, in his honour.^{[citation needed]}