Several members of the Corbit family were involved operating a tannery from 1767 to 1854 in Odessa (then called Cantwell's Bridge), Delaware. William Corbit opened the tan-yard and currying shop in 1767 near the Appoquinmink Creek, after serving a brief apprenticeship in Philadelphia. The business prospered and Corbit became involved in many real estate transactions. In 1772, he began to build a Georgian mansion near the tannery. William was married four times and had a number of children. In 1792, his eldest son, Pennell (1776-1820), was sent to Philadelphia to learn the tanning trade from Thomas Scattergood. Later in 1794, William moved the family to Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, Pennell finished his training and took over the operation of the tannery. When his father died in 1818, Pennell inherited the tannery and family home. He died two years later in 1820.
After Pennell's death, his half-brother, Daniel (1796-1877) assumed responsibility for the tannery. He had previously been a merchant. He operated the tannery until 1854, when the scarcity of bark made the business unprofitable.
From the description of Account books, 1795-1830. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 84666237
