The 2013 updated list of Traditional Ballad Index lists the name as Richard Milbourne, which seems to be incorrect. The 1855 sheet music has "Melody by Richard Milburn. Written and arranged by Alice Hawthorne."
The music, "Published by Sep. Winner," was priced at "35 Cts." Heading the actual piano music is a list of 18 songs by "Alice Hawthorne." The vocal score includes notation for a quartette.

(You mention "Drinking Gourd," which seems to be a faux piece written at College Station, Texas. See thread on that song.)