Philip Corbin (manufacturer)

When Corbin was seven, the family moved to Farmington, then to West Hartford, finally settling in Ellington, Connecticut.

There, Corbin and his brothers worked on the family farm, were contracted as seasonal workers to other farmers, and attended district schools.

In the fall of 1844, Corbin worked for Henry Andrews, who had secured a contract to make locks for North & Stanley.

In a small factory built by Corbin's father-in-law, the brothers, along with Edward Doen, began their first manufacturing firm.

[1] Through the latter half of the 19th century, P&F Corbin manufactured builders’ hardware including coat and hat hooks, sash fasteners, picture nails, locks, knobs, as well as coffin trimmings.

Many prominent buildings from Boston to Philadelphia, including the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford, are outfitted with Corbin decorative hardware.

Corbin served as warden of the borough of New Britain before its incorporation, and was elected as a member of the city council.

In May 1999, the Corbin Monument at the cemetery was noted as the second-tallest private family grave marker in the country.

The site of the original family homestead is still called Corbin's Corners, but was redeveloped as a shopping center.