Travis Hackworth tells us another story of Danville history…
George Craghead Corbin was born in 1856 to James Wesley Corbin and Lucy Ann Barker Corbin. Living on Franklin Turnpike, now N. Main St., until 1865 when his family relocated to Hillsborough, NC. James W. Corbin opened the “Corbin Factory” and George attended local schools just blocks away from the factory. At the age of 19, George was elected mayor of Hillsborough, serving at least one term; possibly two. He married Ann R. Newton and served as a speculator for his father until the family relocated to Danville in 1881.
It is according to land records of Hillsborough that at that time James Wesley Corbin sold his property possibly already having relocated to Danville in 1880. Upon his relocation to Danville James Wesley Corbin involved himself in the local tobacco business, buying his brother’s ( T.J. Corbin ) house on Franklin Turnpike and operating his business from that home in partnership with T.J. Corbin and George working for them. James’s siblings and son’s later built a office for the business on Claiborne St. in 1881 turning the office into his residence ( according to deeds) in 1889. George built a home next door.
George became influential in the business community and found himself involved in North Danville politics and was elected 2nd Mayor of Neapolis after Slaughter’s term expired. George served from 1892-1894/5 according to Mayor’s Report Books in Danville Circuit Court Deeds and Records Room. George’s brother Thomas A. Corbin had built a substantial home nearby (now the Hospitality House) and his aunt and uncle lived in a large mansion just up from the business sector of Neapolis. His uncle had served as mayor of North Danville until his death. His other uncle was highly influential within the City of Danville and the State of VA.
His brother Thomas A. Corbin purchased a hotel back in Hillsborough, NC and commissioned J.H. Fitzgerald ( Thomas Benton Fitzgerald’s 1st cousin ) to add a massive west wing to the building. Thomas owned that building until 1915 when he died in a freak automobile accident. George had to identify the body. Shortly after George located back to NC in Winston-Salem, NC where he worked for RJR Tobacco and became influential in the company. He died in 1936. His daughter Clara died in 1910 having one child Gaillard O. Tuck Jr.. Her husband was a big wheel in the tobacco community, owning his own company locally with offices also in NY and Louisville, KY. He was VP during that time of 3 companies.
Nice read! Thanks!
Having lived here 45 yrs this is my first time hearing of George Corbin. I wonder is this how Craghead Street came about All very interesting to say the least. If there are any interest in another local pioneer, (African-American), I would happily put together a short piece on the life and times of Elmer L. Williams, circa 1901-1945. Elmer lived on the old Franklin Tnpk also, and was my Grandfather.
Craghead St. was not named after Corbin. Halifax St. in North Danville was originally named Corbin St. and the City of Danville took it upon themselves to rename that street in the 1890’s when Neapolis was annexed. The Corbins were one of the prominent familiea that fought annexation but finally gave in because it was good for business and their family ties within the community.