Francis C. Sheridan 's diary (published as "Galveston Island," ed. W. W. Pratt, Austin: U.T. Press, 1954) identifies "Rosin the Beau" as a new song, of US origin though known in England, and wildly popular in Louisiana & Texas in 1842 (p. 91).

Pratt even supplies an illustration of the sheet music of "Old Rosin the Bow!" [sic] depicting a chubby fiddler taking a bow (with his bow).

An anonymous "Old Rosin the Beau: Favourite Comic Song, " arranged by J. C. Beckell, was published in Philadelphia "c1838."