1809 - Apprenticed in the Oakenshaw printworks. 1813 - Experienced an evangelical conversion and joined the Wesleyans. 1814 - Developed an interest in chemistry and invented new method for fixing antimony sulphide on cloth. 1841 - Befriended Lyon Playfair, chemist. 1844 - Discovered the process which became known as 'mercerizing'. 1861 - Made a Justice of the Peace for Lancashire.