Art - I think this one has been nailed as to author, and I concede the version I pasted in above is not missing any lines as I've suggested. I do think the folk-processing that has taken place over the years has definitely improved Sarah pratt's poem.

I had the fun of singing Bill and Gene's version to Wendy Holt's family just a couple of weeks ago, when they were here in Maine for a land trust neeting. Rod Holt, the eldest son, remembered some of the verses and Phil Holt, the youngest son, has promised to make available to me his mother's notes on the songs she collected. I believe Wendy's version arrived with chorus in place and the tune. There's a little more digging to do.;-)