I forgot to type in "Joseph Scott" in the original post. More notable than the fact that "coon song" lyrics existed (and were a widespread fad) as of 1898 are the melody and chords, related to the folk song "Joe Turner." We have other, weaker evidence that the song "Joe Turner" existed by 1898, but this is the strongest. This song was uncovered in recent years by blues researcher Peter Muir.

Wilson was a pianist who later knew Willie The Lion Smith and James P. Johnson.