Date: 22 Mar 22 - 06:05 PM

http://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/Moyl110.html
gives just a little info. re this particular song about Henry Joy McCracken. The author is unknown and Terry Moylan wrote that "This song possibly dates from the early 19th century".

It is easy enough to find out more about Henry Joy McCracken, but there doesn't seem to be much information online about the particular song. There is more background info about the man in these notes to a different song http://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/PGa034.html
Incidentally, you may also like to read up about the work of Henry Joy's sister, Mary Ann McCracken.