This collection has a copy of "The Bright Mohawk Valley."
Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated American Sheet Music ca. 1790-1890, ...Subseries 8.50 New England, 1844-1948, Box 43, Folder A, Songs about New England, 1844-1948, "Includes "The Bright Mohawk Valley arranged by Nick Manaloff to the tune of "The Red River Valley,"....."

Now wait just a cotton-pickin' minute- that sounds like it is a makeover of "The Red River Valley." No date or other details.
No copies at American Memory or in the Levy Collection.

It may be that Carl Sandburg, quoted in many sources, was wrong when he said that "Red River Valley" came from "Bright Mohawk Valley." He seems to be the source of the story.

I can't find any information, except anecdotal, about James J. Kerrigan and his song.
Joybell, I dunno.