Rick

There doesn't seem to be any evidence that this is the case. Someone may have altered a version to suit local conditions at some time. Happens all the time.

There is not much info about this song on Mudcat, though this recent thread may turn up something eventually.

I can recommend looking at the entry for this ballad here in the Traditional Ballad Index. Quite concise and not over enlightening, however. As you can see from the thread above, I have my own ideas but, at present, no evidence to support them.

Cheers!
Ian