Since 1867 William Southwell has been in the grocery business in Winchester. In that year Southwell & Son commenced business in a room just south of Mr. Southwell's present location. Wm. M. Southwell was born near Hart's school house, Scott county, Illinois, June 24, 1840. His father, Robert Southwell, was born at Scarbrough, England, in 1818; came to America in 1838, and settled near Harts school house. Robert Southwell died September 11, 1894. His mother, Elizabeth (Clarkson) Southwell was born in the city of York, England, in 1815. She came to America in 1838 and that year was married to Robert Southwell. She died January 5, 1892.

Mr. Southwell was reared on the farm and was educated in the country schools. In ‘67 he went into business with his father and on September 14, 1894, succeeded to the business. He has been a groceryman in Winchester for so many years that everybody (nearly) in the county is acquainted with him, hence no words of praise are needed along this line.

In 1867, March 12, William M. Southwell was united in marriage with Miss Mary Whewell. She is a native of England and was born at Newton Moore, Chesser, and came to this county with a couple of her brothers in 1853 or ‘54. She is a daughter of Edmon and Ann Whewell, and her parents died long years ago in England.

Since arriving at manhood Mr. Southwell has made two trips to England, visiting the scenes of his ancestor's childhood. He found the trips pleasant and beneficial, and they were taken as a sort of a "day off". He expects to make another trip, should he be spared to enjoy that pleasure. He has served as alderman of Winchester two or three different times, has lived a clean, open life among Scott county people and by them is honored, respected and patronized. He is a member of the Christian church.