Gates Thomas said he heard "Been In The Pen So Long" in approximately 1890 and gave lyrics and music; see his article in _Rainbow In The Morning_ ed. Frank Dobie. Given that Thomas wasn't consistent in his claims about when he heard "Boll Weevil," 1895 or 1900 might be more likely. Example stanza from Thomas: "Don't like no Fort Worth gal; don't like no Fort Worth gal;/She'll meet you on the street and it's, 'Baby, can't you treat?'/Don't like no Fort Worth gal."