He built factories around the US that contributed to the United States becoming a major player in the world economy. His factories were profitable, which allowed him to expand his business. Private Functions. Faced with these conditions, skilled workers and farmers confronted pressures to accept the factory regime or lose the opportunity to work entirely. Slater gained incredible knowledge about textile production methods. At the young age of 14, Slater became an apprentice in Jedediah Strutt's cotton mill. He refused to go outside his family to hire managers, and, after 1829, he made his sons partners in the new umbrella firm of Samuel Slater and Sons. The family tree for Samuel Slater should not be considered exhaustive or authoritative. George Savage White. pliss (born Slater), William Anthony Slater, Thomas Slater, Margaret Lathim Holden (born Slater), John Slater, William Slater,