I don't want to appear a smart-arse but I can add another source. 'BENJAMIN BOWLABAGS' was sent to Sabine Baring-Gould Dec 26th 1896 by Rev J Hale Parlby. The writing in the manuscript is a bit difficult but I think he was from Manadon (Plymouth). The words are a bit different - this time we have a mouse:

Would you know how the wars began
Benjamin Bowlabags
Would you know how the wars began
Cast threads away
Would you know how the wars began
Nine tailors make a man
And so the proud tailor went prancing away

With his needle he made a spear
And ran the mouse through the ear

With his bodkin he made a gun
And shot he mouse as he run

With his scissors he dug a pit
And shoved the mouse into it

With his thimble he made a bell
And toll'd the mouses funeral knell
^^
The inclusion of the line 'Nine Tailors make a man' is interesting. There is a tune - at first glance it looks quite close to the Yorkshire one. I'll have a play with it.