Not knowing much about shape note singing, I'd ask if it goes back as far as the song, 1701???? same as "Jack Hall" & Captain Kidd. "Sam Hall" comes along just about 150 years later. The tune must date back further for it to have been use for both Kidd & Hall were hanged in 1701, Kidd in London & Hall in Devonshire (Tyburn /Tedburn Hill), unless the tune smith attended both hangings & figured he'd write a two'for.

Barry