Thomas Marshall was born in c1806 in Newcastle, it is thought in Silver Street. He started work as an apprentice brush-maker with a Mr Laidler of Laidlaw & Nicholson, whose business at the time was located in Carpenter’s Tower, later moved to Pilgrim Street and then became Byer’s & Co. He continued working for the same company for many years at his trade as a journeyman, becoming a foreman brush-maker. He would only be in his early twenties when in 1829 he published a collection of his songs, amounting to 24 pages filled with humour. The Chapbook was called A Collection of original local songs; it was "Printed for the author by Wm Fordyce, Dean Street, Newcastle 1829" In the early 19th century, Newcastle had quite a collection of local eccentrics (also referred to as "worthies", and John Marshall mentioned them, and their peculiarities, in many of the songs.
Marriage
The name of his wife is unknown, but according to the 1872 edition of "Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside songs" he had just one son, who predeceased him.
Later life
According to the comments in this 1972 edition of Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside songs - "In appearance he was slight, dark, and a little under the middle height. At his work he would often break out with William Watson's "Thumping Luck to yon Town," a favourite song of his". He appeared to write very little as he got older, but he must have retained his interest in music, as for years he was one of the Guild of Bell- ringers of All Saints’ Church. He died suddenly on 30 December 1866, at the age of a little over 60. At his home in Shield Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle from a paralytic attack. He was buried at All Saints' cemetery on 2 January 1867 in an unmarked grave.
Blind Willie, versus Billy Scott –A song about a fight between these two local "eccentrics"
Blind Willie's jubilee – To the tune of "Bold Dragoon" - A song top celebrate Blind Willy’s 50th birthday and ensuing party
Heeltap's disaster – A song about a greedy shoemaker
Markie's grandie; or, Richie's mistake – This is a comic song about mistaking the name of a public house
Ralphey and the broker – This is a song about a defective chest ordered from a broker
Ralphey's views fra the spire - This song describes the amazing view from the spire of St. Nicholas Church in Newcastle claiming he could see all the way to London. The entry fee of half a crown
