Yellow Rose of Texas is home grown in Texas, from what I hear in historic circles here in Texas.

I have a couple of acquaintances from my days as a National Park Service ranger who do or did work for the NPS in their capacity as folksingers and researchers. One of them is in New York City, and several mudcatters know her--Linda Russell. She lives up near Columbia, I think, and still performs around NYC. I'll see if I can find her web site, I know I've posted it here before. Linda performed a lot of early American songs and usually spoke about their history and origins. She has several albums out and might be good to talk to.

The other is Rita Cantu, who recorded songs when she was working and researching in Great Smoky Mountains NP. I met her the year I worked at Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg. I just found her album I've Grown to Love this Land and see that it has extensive liner notes and words. She recorded that in Tennessee in 1978, and says this is a combination of traditional and original songs. Last I heard Rita is out in California or the desert southwest again, but if she has other albums they may have similar information and liner notes.

Good luck!

SRS