Hmmm - I did the Mudcat search (one reason I don't post too often is that I always do) and completely missed that thread. Sorry about that.
However, the info in that thread sort of begs the question -
"Probably had its origin in a minstrel show song. Many songs traditional in the South were introduced there by travelling "Entertainments", medicine, magic and minstrel shows, which included musicians and singers in their programmes." "I sing here a part of the version of "Brother Ephus" that I learned from Grandma, who sometimes accompanies her singing with banjo, played in a double-thumbing style."
and
The song ("Brother Ephus" in the DT, cobbled or put-together by Hedy West, is derived from several minstrel and Negro folk songs and spirituals. The first verse has been reported since 1909 (Mississippi), but parts are much older. Newman L. White, 1928, American Negro Folk Songs, p. cites fragments under the title: BROTHER EBEN'S GOT A COON"
So I guess the question is how much cobbling Hedy West did to create the song, and should it be considered her composition, albeit with material taken from traditional sources?