The Beckell version of 1838 has reappeared:


https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/026/073


Another text, anonymous, undated but seemingly of the same period, begins "I live for the good of my Nation." It's described as "A Southern Ballad":


https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/042/101

On Jan. 18, 1838, the "Ripley [Miss.] Transcript" published a text of 9 four-line stanzas much like Beckell's but with some notable differences. Unlike Beckell's, this version features "Rosin the Bow," not "Beau."

It would seem to be the earliest datable text.

Various U.S. newspapers of the late 19th C. averred that the tune was an "old Methodist hymn tune," but nobody seemed able to recall what it was called (assuming it existed at all).