Nothing in wikipedia not covered in the early posts and "The Handbook of Texas."

The 'J. K.' cited as author in the Firth, Pond 1858 sheet music is Joseph Philip Knight according to pdmusic; Fuld in his book says 'J. K.' is unknown.

The song was published with other 1860s favorites (inc. Lorena and Juanita) in a sheet music folio called "The Southern Musical Boquet,"
186-, in Macon, GA, and on song sheets by De Marsan and Johnson (probably several others). See American Memory. The 1858 sheet music may be seen in the Levy Collection.