Ah!!! The amazing Billy Barlow. I became interested in him about 4 years ago and have been chasing him ever since. An article about him turned into a book as I tried to sort them out -- all of them and there are dozens if not hundreds. That's how I came across the Blue-Tail'd Fly. Robert "Billy" Barlow was born in England - 1819 where he performed from the age of 18. He came to Australia possibly via America,and settled here in 1857. He toured several times to New Zealand, China,South Africa, USA and back to England. He finally settled in Queensland where he died in 1907 (sorry) Feb. 12th. I have found a descendant of his but he knows less than I've already found - which isn't much sadly. The Billy Barlow name, the songs and the character, were spread in Australia mainly by George Coppin but Robert also played a part. In America it seems that English-born, but American-raised Cowell was the main reason for the spread of the name, the character and the songs. Better stop there for now. This is how it all began four long years ago.