Actually Q, I don't think this is unnecessary at all.

The heart of my question is can we trace this song across the pond and find it in the traditional repertoire of England or Ireland. I know it has been located in the Appalachian tradition and moved from there into bluegrass and beyond, but how about before that? I wonder if there are lyric links even if the tune can't be found.
Any ideas out there?

ClaireZ