Finally figured out why you refreshed this thread, Barry!

Coincidentally, I listened to both albums earlier this evening, along with another of Dave and Cathy's from about 20 years ago. They never get old.

There is more information on the internet about the song now than there was before. Check out the Max Hunter site, for a version by Max himself, with links to two others by Allie Long Parker of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, his source for the song. "I had collected this song from Mrs. Allie Long Parker and sang it at the Tenth Annual Arkansas Folklore Society meeting. This was my first public performance."

It doesn't say where she learned it, but the Barton/Para notes given by Barry above indicate that she likely learned it from her father. The Hunter site does give this reference, Randolph: II-209 The Battle of Pea Ridge.