Hi,

Most of the Appalachian versions are not similar to "Bridgewater Merchant" from A Pioneer Songster dated circa 1820. However, this version is. The first stanza, corrupt as sung by Pace can be compared to the first stanza from Pioneer Songster so it makes some sense. In the second stanza the word "factory" appears. Here's the Songster text: They sent him factor o'er the main.

E. Near Bridgewater - Sung by Mrs. ELIZA PACE at Hyden, Leslie Co., Ky., Oct. 3, 1917
Heptatonic. Mixolydian influence.

1 Near Bridgewater a rich man lived,
He had two sons and a daughter dear.
Was like by death by arabian (sic)[1]
And filled his children's heart with fear.

2 These young men to the sea did venture
To bring whatever was for gain.
He was a prencess[2] bound and strong indebted,
They sent him factory[3] over the sea.

3 This youth was neat and comely,
Straight and complete in every limb.
Their sister placed her heart's affections
On this young man unbeknownst to them.

4 One day it chanced her youngest brother
For to see them court and play.
He told the secret to the other,
This to him then he did say:

5 O now he thinks he'll gain our sister,
Perhaps he thinks her for to have,
But their courtship will soon be ended.
We'll press him headlong to the grave.

6 Now for to end this cruel matter
And fill their sister's heart with woe,
This poor young man they did flatter
With them a-hunting for to go.

7 In the backwoods where no one used
The briers they were overgrown,
0 there they made a bloody slaughter.
There they had him killed and thrown.

8 They returned home to their sister.
She asked where was the servant-man.
I ask because you seem to whisper.
Tell me, brothers, if you can.

9 We lost him at our game a-hunting,
We never more could him see.
I tell you plainly I'm afrighted.
What makes you examine me?

10 The next night as she lie sleeping
He came to her bed-side and stood,
All covered o'er in tears a-weeping,
All wallowed o'er in gores of blood.

11 The next morning she got up
With many a sigh and bitter groan.
To the place she then returned,
Where she found him killed and thrown.

12 She said: My love, I will stay with you
Until my heart doth burst with woe.
She felt sharp hunger creeping;
Homewards she was obliged to go.

13 She returned to her brothers.
They asked her what made her look so orn[4].
O by the loss you've acted treason
In killing your poor servant man.


Footnotes:

1. This stanza and version is similar to Stevens/Douglas MS which has:

Of life by death they were bereaved,
Which filled their children's heart with care.

2. 'prentice
3. factor
4. wan

Richie