Son of Anthony and Mary Chapman of Fryer's Yard.
Thomas was married to Rose Bainbridge of Startforth, together they had one child.
Thomas had been a labourer at the flax mill before enlisting. In March 1917 it was reported in the Teesdale Mercury that he had been hospitalised with trench fever.
When reported having been killed , Thomas was serving with a Lewis Gun section and went missing at the same time as Pt. William Waine. He was the youngest of three brothers serving in France at the time.
Teesdale Mercury-07/03/1917: Local and other notes: Ailing of trench fever
Teesdale Mercury-02/05/1917: Local and other notes: Missing
Teesdale Mercury-23/05/1917: Local and other notes: Missing
Teesdale Mercury-30/05/1917: Local and other notes: Missing
Teesdale Mercury-01/08/1917: Roll of Honour Notice