Faith, Tragedy, and Rebellion: The Legacy of Reverend John Corbly

Reverend John Corbly was a pivotal figure to the development of the Baptist faith in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. He started over 30 Baptist churches and contributed to the Whiskey Rebellion, all while facing one of the most gruesome family tragedies in American history.

Born near London, England on February 23, 1733, Corbly immigrated to Pennsylvania at the age for 14 years old, working as an indentured servant. When he completed his duties, he moved to Virginia and married his first wife, Abigail Bull. The couple had four children together: Margaret, Rachel, Priscilla, and John Corbly Jr.

He was introduced to baptism in Virginia, and then arrested for the vocal passion of his religious beliefs. After his release and the passing of his wife, Reverend Corbly moved back to Pennsylvania where he founded the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church. He then remarried to Elizabeth Tyler and had five children: Delilah, Elizabeth, Isaiah, Mary Catherine, and Nancy.

Tragedy struck Reverend Corbly and his family on Sunday, May 10, 1782, the day known as the Corbly Family Massacre. Before leaving to go to morning worship service, Reverend Corbly had left his family to retrieve his Bible from his cabin. In his absence, Reverend Corbly’s wife and children were attacked by a group of Native Americans.

Upon arrival he heard screams from his family and soon realized he was outnumbered. He fled the scene for help, ending up at a nearby fort. Settlers of the fort chased the Native Americans away until they got to the Ohio River, where the attackers got away.

Returning to the scene, he found his wife, son Isaiah, daughter Mary Catherine, and infant daughter Nancy all killed. His son John narrowly escaped with the help of the family dog. The surviving daughters, Elizabeth and Delilah, had serious injuries. Elizabeth eventually passed away from her injuries at the age of 21 years old.

A few years after the massacre, Reverend Corbly married his third wife, Nancy Ann Lynn. They had eight children together: Mary, Andrew, Pleasant, Cassandra, Sarah, Amelia, Nancy, and William.

Almost a decade after the Corbly Family Massacre, Reverend Corbly became involved in the Whiskey Rebellion. He protested against the unfair taxation on the whiskey production and the federal government’s failure to protect settlers from Native Americans.

He vocalized his beliefs against the federal government, which ultimately led to his arrest and was forced to march to Philadelphia for trial. After the long, grueling trip, he was eventually acquitted and released due to lack of evidence against him.

Reverend John Corbly passed away on June 9, 1803 in Garards Fort, Pennsylvania. His legacy continues through his many descendants. The descendants of Reverend Corbly hold an annual reunion on Last Sunday in June where they share their history and honor his memory.

The Corbly family monument and a memorial that symbolizes the tragic massacre, are located in Garards Fort Cemetery. There are other monuments and markers as well.

To learn more about Reverend John Corbly and his family legacy, join the reunion will be on Sunday, June 29, 2025, following the 9:30 a.m. church service.