Cotton's Ace Hardware is a multigenerational, Family owned and operated hardware business. Originally started in 1967 by William "Bill" Cotton as a grocery store. Bill purchased a grocery and hardware store combination business in Columbia Illinois. After a few years Bill realized, "Hammers don't spoil." He decided to focus on the hardware business and over 55 years later, Bill, his children and his grandchildren now run their growing 15 store chain together.