Wow... amazing how many dads sung this to their kids...me as well,
always loved this song but had no clue as who did it..my dad passed a few years back and before, never thought to ask him who the song was by. Tonight after a few I was playing it on the guitar and decided to just type the lyrics into google and there it was....   thanks to you who posted.

His version on the chorus was..............

Now the father of our country would never tell a lie and he was my great uncle so I ask you why should I.

the other difference was.... I was born in Texas out where the snakes have legs

Cool thanks all