Kelley Williamson - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

When Walter A. Williamson first sold gasoline and lubricants, in the 1920’s, petroleum marketing was in its infancy. But he saw its potential as did his partner Nate Kelley. Their vision became reality in 1926 when they established the Kelley Williamson Company. In 1929 the partners bought several small stations and just two years later became a Mobil jobber, creating an alliance that spans more than 7 decades.

The inventive Williamson knew that travelers need food, and in the 1930’s he opened a modest restaurant next to the Kelley Williamson station in Rockton IL. The innovative Wagon Wheel restaurant evolved into a premier resort facility that operated for more than 30 years.

Just as Walt Williamson had the vision to see a future in petroleum marketing more than 70 years ago, his grandson, John Griffin, visualized the important role convenience marts could play in the lives of time-strapped 21st century citizens. Operating today under the leadership of Mr. Griffin, Kelley Williamson owns and operates nearly 50 station locations in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Ranking as one of Mobil's largest jobber/distributors nationally, we are the area's largest supplier of commercial, industrial and agricultural lubricants and fuels, representing products from Mobil, Shell, GM (Mr. Goodwrench) and Chrysler (Mopar).