According to the Internet source given below, Alexander Barrass was a poet and songwriter born near Blackhall Mill, between Consett and Stanley in County Durham. He started work as a 9-year old in the pits and was probably self-educated. His first published works were in a volume The Derwent Valley and other poems which included songs and poetry. He also wrote a column in the Newcastle Chronicle. He is principally remembered for his The Pitman's Social Neet which was in the form of a play/musical telling a story in song of a night out. He suffered mental illness in 1894 and was admitted to Sedgefield Asylum where he remained until his death.
Alexander Barrass is included in these webpages as the songwriter of The Church Wi' the Lantern Toor which is sung by and in the repertoire of Tyneside Maritime Chorus.

Websites:
	Alexander Barrass	Biography by wikipedia.org