Thanks Lighter,

High learned this ballad (1890s) from the Haynes. If you want to hear him sing it: http://digitalcollections.uark.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/3958/rec/6

Steve,

I did look up factor and I'm curious if this is a British expression and when it was used in the UK. It might be a clue to the origin. I've only found it in three versions so far.

I'm curious about the ballad story, let's the use Pioneer Songster version:

At Bridgewater there lived a Merchant,
Who had two sons and a daughter fair.
Of life by death they were bereaved,
Which filled their children's heart with care.

A rich merchant lived at Bridgwater (spelling?) and had two sons and a daughter. He dies and it makes his children worried. The sons go to the sea to collect on their father business ventures and (They sent him factor o'er the main). What does this mean? Wouldn't they bring him over the main to work for them?

Three thousand pounds it was her portion;
She was a fair and a comely dame;
On this young man that crossed the ocean
She was resolved to bestow the same.

So their sister and, I assume therefore, brothers each get "three thousand pounds" and she wants the servant (her love) to receive "three thousand pounds" as well. Isn't this also a motive for the murder?

What do you think he story line is at the beginning? Here's the text:

1
'Twas near Bridgewater a rich man lived
Who had two sons and a daughter fair;
Of life by death they were bereaved,
Which filled these children's hearts with care.
      
2
'Twas o'er the seas their sons did venture
For to bring home their rightful gain;
They had an apprentice by firm indenture;
They sent him factor o'er the main.

3
This young man was of a fair complexion,
Straight and complete in every limb;
Their sister placed her whole affection
On this young man, and courted him.

4
Three thousand pounds it was her portion;
She was a fair and a comely dame;
On this young man that crossed the ocean
She was resolved to bestow the same.

Richie