I just dug out my book "Reflections on the Bean". The "Bean" refers to the name of a small creek that ran through Hudson. If the song predates the l850's then possibly it may have influenced Will Carlton to write his poem "Over the Hill to the Poor House". Will Carlton was born in l845 and passed away in l912.

According to the book... "A movie was made about the poem "Over the Hill to the Poor House" in l917, something rare in those days. The film with Mary Carr was a hit. In l920 and l931 other film versions were made."

Cap't Bob