When did Martha Carson write it? It would have to be before 1941, and that group (Golden Gate Quartet) cited it as traditional (Their title was "Blind Barnabas.". Johnny Horton recorded in 1956-1960, and again in 1969, also referred to it as traditional.

It seems to me that all the versions are slightly different, but so similar that they are clearly the same song; however, I haven't heard Carson.