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.

[2] Corby served for a number of years on the Belleville village council and continued to be politically active as a Conservative.

[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.