Two Mudcat Threads here - Origins of John Henry and 9 Pound Hammer.
Incidentally, Charlie Bowman (not Merle Travis) has the songwriting credits for 9 Pound Hammer. Still looking to tease out my subject line - 'Rings Like Silver and Shines Like Gold'

John Henry Origins (mudcat circa 2000)

9 Pound Hammer (Charlie Bowman) Origins - (mudcat 2004)

Roll on Buddy Origins (Alan Lomax LOC Recording) - Clay County, KY 1939

'and it rings like gold'
voyager