So far as I know, the song originated with Fields Ward as "Riley and Spencer" (maybe a record-labeler's mistitling for Raleigh, don't know).

That Fields Ward recording became an instant classic when it was released in the 1970s. A lot of people heard it then, learned it (me included), and sang it.

I'm sensible of the claims made for Jarrell and Rawley & Spencer in the book "Strings of Life" (an excellent on-the-spot book about southern old time musicians, it deserves wide reading, and those interested will find it a terrific source). Still, by a whisker, Betsy Rutherford's word that it was Fields Ward's composition seems to me to be correct.

All the information as I had it from Joe Bussard and others close to the Biograph label (which put out Fields Ward's LP back in the 1970s, and also Betsy Rutherford's LP) indicated that Fields Ward wrote the song.

Can't personally provide evidence pro or con. But my best estimate from what I heard back then is that Tommy Jarrell learned the song either directly or indirectly from Fields Ward himself or from Ward's recording, not the other way around.

I lack the liner notes to Fields' LP though, which may change that conclusion. Anyone with access to that LP may be able to clarify and set us all straight.

Bob