The farmer and his sons, with the world
before them where to choose, made their way southward in search of
employment until they arrived in the neighbourhood of Bury in
Lancashire. From the crown of the hill near Walmesley they
surveyed the wide extent of country which lay before them, the
river Irwell making its circuitous course through the valley. They
were utter strangers in the neighbourhood, and knew not which way
to turn. To decide their course they put up a stick, and agreed to
pursue the direction in which it fell. Thus their decision was
made, and they journeyed on accordingly until they reached the
village of Ramsbotham, not far distant. They found employment in a
print-work, in which William served his apprenticeship; and they
commanded themselves to their employers by their diligence,
sobriety, and strict integrity. They plodded on, rising from one
station to another, until at length the two men themselves became
employers, and after many long years of industry, enterprise, and
benevolence, they became rich, honoured, and respected by all who
knew them. Their cotton-mills and print-works gave employment to a
large population. Their well-directed diligence made the valley
teem with activity, joy, health, and opulence.
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