I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Don Williams version from 1973, on his first solo album, JMI 4004. The words are essentially as Gene transcribed the Doc Watson version, with only minor variations. The fact that it is credited to Jack Music, Inc. reinforces my opinion that this was the first recording of the song, since JMI was Jack Clement's company. I have not checked for sure, but later pressings may well have been on Dot, ABC/Dot, ABC, and/or MCA as a result of mergers, buyouts, etc.