Hi,

We don't know the original version from the grandmother, which would be Irish. Since it's a recollection and not necessarily an accurate one, it would seem the location of the recollection is the provenance.

I agree with Lighter: "its provenance would be Philadelphia, with an alleged earlier provenance in Ireland."

Therefore, it would be the earliest US version of Child 11 The Cruel Brother. [Assuming you agree with Child that it is a version of Child 11].

Richie