During the industrial revolution in the 18th century a merchant was up in Bradford trading. As he had a friend who worked at Titus Salt's Saltaire mill (look it up on google !) he thought he would pay him a visit.
He called in and asked the foreman "Is Fred about ?"
"Fred" said the foreman - "i'm sorry he's out today - he's gone over to Manchester to get some cotton"
"Not to worry" said the merchant " I will be up again in a few weeks - will catch him then"
Few weeks later he finds himself back in Bradford and calls in the mill again.
"Is Fred around ?" he asks the foreman.
"I'm sorry" he replies "he's just gone out - he's gone over to Manchester again for some cotton"
"Oh well" says the merchant "I'll catch him again in a few weeks"
Few weeks later he's back up again and calls in the mill.
"Is Fred here today ?" he asks.
"Oh dear" says the foreman "Am really sorry to inform you this but Fred died a few weeks ago"
Stunned the merchant asks "oh my god thats terrible...I never got to see him....could you tell me where he is buried. Would like to pay my respects while I am here"
"Certainly" says the formeman "the cemetery just down the hill on the right.
The merchant heads down the cemetery and walks through the graves till he finds the grave of his old friend. When he finds it he removes his hat, drops his head and solemnly says a quite prayer in remembrance.
When finished the prayer he looks up and reads the gravestone :-
'Here lies Fred - gone but not for cotton'
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