A slightly earlier reference to the tune, again from North Carolina:

Morganton [N.C.] Herald (Feb. 6, 1890):

"John Branch, who escaped from Morganton jail,...was recaptured by jailor Ward last Friday night. Branch, who is an expert fiddler, was playing 'Old Joe Clarke' at a dance at John Piercy's, three miles above Piedmont Springs, and was taken completely by surprise."