I don't know much about the origins of many songs, but here is what I heard from Patsy Stoneman last year. Patsy is the daughter of Pop Stoneman, and she has spent a lifetime in country music. I would estimate that she is around seventy now, and she still performs. I've seen her at several autoharp festivals. Last year, at the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering (www.MLAG) in Newport, PA., Patsy was there, as were Joe and Janette Carter. Joe and Janette are two of A.P. Carter and Sara Daugherty Carter's children. They are in their seventies too. Back when the Carters were real popular, they needed lots of material. A.P. would call around, and Pop Stoneman was a frequent contributor. A.P called Pop, and Pop told him about a song that eventually was recorded as "Sweet Fern." The Carters and Patsy all agreed that the song had another title, and the word "fern" was definitely wrong, that A.P. had a bad phone connection!!!! Patsy lives near McMinville, Tennessee, and she would love to hear from fans. The Carters still operate Carter Fold in Hiltons, VA. The Carters have their big festival in a few weekends 276-386-9480.