A well spent life was that of Albert E. Corbett, whose industry and integrity in business affairs won him success and the respect of his fellowmen. He possessed many sterling traits of character, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among those with whom he was associated. He was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, December 7, 1855, and was a son of John and Jane (Lewis) Corbett.
Albert E. Corbett was reared at home and under the direction of his father learned the miller's trade. In 1889 he left his family in Ontario and came to the west, looking for an opening that would give him better opportunities to attain success and to establish a home for his wife and children. He first located in Columbia county, where he secured a position as night miller in the Touchet Flouring Mills, then owned by Henry Richardson. Two months later, however, the mill closed down for the winter and Mr. Corbett went to the coast, looking for work. Not finding suitable employment in Seattle or Tacoma, he went on to Victoria, British Columbia, where he secured a situation in a sawmill. In May of the following year he was there joined by his brother, Judson A. Corbett, who also found employment in the same mill. While working there Mr. Corbett was writing to friends in Columbia county, Washington, and learned of a chance to buy the Touchet Mills. In the fall of 1892 he made his way to Huntsville therefore, and in company with his brother, Judson A., bought the mill. They had saved about five hundred dollars each from their wages and this amount was used as the first payment on the purchase price of the mill. Within the following two years they paid off the entire indebtedness on the property, which was thus free from all encumbrance. In the spring of 1890 Mr. Corbett sent for his wife and family, who joined him in Victoria, coming to the west with his brother, Judson A.
It was in April, 1885, that Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Baker and to them were born four children, three of whom are still living, namely: Lewis, who is engaged in the automobile business in Dayton; Gertrude, who is a teacher in the schools of Dixie, Washington; and Florence, at home. The wife and mother passed away in May, 1895, and in May, 1899, Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Laura Baker, a sister of his former wife. She is a graduate of the Normal School of Ottawa, Canada, and is a woman of liberal education and of broad culture and refinement. By this marriage there were born two children, Helen and Emma, both at home.