Here are some other examples. It's better to see the second stanza also:

Sandburg 1927:

1 In London City where I once did dwell,
there's where I got my learning,
I fell in love with a pretty young girl,
her name was Barbra Allen.

2 I courted her six months or more.
Was about to gain her favor;
'Oh wait! oh wait, oh wait!' she said.
'Some young man's gained my favor.'

LaRena Clark Ontario

1. In London city where I was born,
There was a fair maid dwelling,
And she had every youthful grace;
Her name was Barb'ra Allen.

2. "I courted her for four long years;
She swore she would not have me.
Then straightway home as I could go,
And like unto a-dying."

Anderson F. Hard-hearted Barbery Allen. Mrs Flora Havens of Binfield, Blount County has long been familiar with this song.

1. Away low down in London town,
In which three maids were dwelling.
There was but one I call my own,
And that was Barbery Allen.

2. I courted her for seven long years
She said she would not have me,
Poor Willie went home and took sick
And there he lay a-dying."

I'm just wondering if these versions have a print analogue and what the earliest traditional or print example is. They sometimes have Willie write her a letter, which the servant takes.

I'm stuck somewhere in Tennessee, putting versions on my site (Cambiaire, McDowell, Crabtree, Anderson etc.). Hopefully I'll get to another state soon!!!

TY,

Richie