Thomas Ashton was a cotton spinner and trade unionist, who worked in cotton mills from the age of nine. In 1868 he became the General Secretary of the Oldham Operative Cotton Spinners' Association, a position he would hold for 45 years. The association successfully campaigned a half-day on Saturdays, a standard wage scale, and overall increases in wages under Ashton's leadership.

Ashton was one of the founding members of the Amalgamated Association of Operative Cotton Spinners and Twiners, and became its President in 1878. He served as treasurer of the United Textile Factory Workers' Association, and secretary of the Oldham Trades and Labour Council, as well as standing as a candidate for the Labour Party. Ashton was also a prolific journalist.

Ashton retired from his trade union roles due to ill health in 1913. He died in 1919, aged 78.