Surname: Dibdin Forename(s): Thomas John b. 21 March 1771. d. 16 September 1841. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Actor, playwright, songwriter, editor, and poet. Stage name: “T. Merchant.” Born in
London. Began acting in 1789 and performed around the United Kingdom with the Dover
troupe and at Covent Garden in London. Married actress Ann Hilliar on 23 May 1793.
Editor of the Monthly Epitome (1798). Author of many songs and plays including Harlequin and Mother Goose (1806) and Last Lays of the Last of the Three Dibdins (1833). Biographical information: ODNB. (CC)