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Discouraged by the future outlook for aviation Somerville returned to the wire rope machinery development field and, entirely on his own, established and maintained a shop at Coal City where he devoted the rest of his life to this work. There he invented and perfected wire-rope-making machinery that revolutionized the industry. He became an international authority in this field and sold rights for his machines both here and abroad. Almost all the machinery and equipment used today throughout the the work in the wire rope industry came from his pioneering efforts. Later he started the Wood-Web Porch Shade Company and built and operated the Broadway Garage at Coal City. 

Early in life Somerville had become an accomplished musician, specializing on the clarinet. He devoted considerable time to organizing and directing the Coal City Marine Band and made it one of the leading musical groups of that area for many years. Somerville was a member of the Pullman Marine Band and was guest soloist with John Philip Sousa's famous band on several occasions.

After gradually failing health, Somerville passed away at the Silver Cross Hospital on September 25, 1950, at age 81. Beloved and generally recognized as Coal City's "Number One Citizen," he was survived by his wife, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. He was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wilmington, Illinois.

Aviation Pioneer, inventor and civic leader, William E. Somerville rightfully deserves a prominent place in the records of early American aviation history. Taking faith in the very beginning of human flight he gave his time, money and efforts to contribute toward its development. His many contributions were varied and widely recognized. He was a member of the early Aero Club of Illinois, long time Mayor of his town, active in local civic and municipal affairs and a great humanitarian.  

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