Well hell. I think you are all learning that everyone does somethings a little more differentlyer. The folk process has many songs with slightly changed melodies being referenced to one primary source. The Streets of Loredo and the St. James Infirmary and A Sailor/Soldier/Trooper Cut Down in His Prime being a good example.

I have heard the "Lakes of Pontchartrain" sung with a few distinct melodies. I can't tell which is righter but it matters little as all were pretty good. There is one Lake Pontchartrain now but that river has been dredged, widened, flooded, leveed and altered over the years
that you need an ariel view to see the other smaller lakes in the region.   These smaller lakes all appear to connect with Pontchartrain which is the second largest salt water Lake in the US.

I have always thought "gatherers a blaw" meant. "People who lived in the open air. such as Tinkers and or Gypsies."

Don