From my recent fascination with the Minstrel banjo style, I can tell you that "Possum Up a Gum Stump" is an 1840s Minstrel-stage song.

Possum Up a Gum Stump

Possum up de gum stump,
Raccoon in de holler;
Twist 'im out, an' git 'im down,
An' I'll give you a half a dollar.

Possum up de gum stump,
Yes, cooney in de holler;
A pretty gal down my house
Jes as fat as she can waller.

Possum up de gum stump,
His jaws is black an' dirty;
To come an' kiss you, pretty gal,
I'd run like a gobbler turkey.

Possum up de gum stump,
A good man's hard to find;
You'd better love me, pretty gal,
You'll git de udder kind.



A version of the tune

Bob