The year was 1779. Sandy Wilson was approaching his thirteenth birthday, time that he should learn a trade. For a boy from Paisley there could be little doubt about that trade. The family arranged for Sandy to be apprenticed to his brother-in-law, William Duncan, husband of his eldest sister, Mary, and a talented young weaver. The solemn occasion arrived and the document of indenture was signed by Sandy Wilson, his father, brother-in-law, and several witnesses. He was now bound to William Duncan for three years as an apprentice and servant. He had agreed to obey Duncan's every command and do whatever he could to benefit Duncan. In return Duncan agreed to provide bed, board, tools of the trade, and instruction in all aspects of weaving.
Work began at 0530 when the apprentices, dressed in rough corduroys, dusted, cleaned and oiled the looms. Sandy learned to raise and lower webs of...