I don't think there's a lot of known background for Wayfaring Stranger. The Sacred Harp lists the 1st found version of the words as

The Christian songster : a collectin of hymns and spiritual songs, usually sung at camp, prayer, and social meetings, and revivals of religion. Designed for all denominations / compiled by Joseph Bever. Dayton, Ohio : Printed at the printing establishment of the United Brethren in Christ, 1858.

I suspect it's a word only book despite the 'songster' in the title because the catalog record says nothing about music. If a poet had been listed in the book, the Sacred Harp 1991 ed. would probably included it.

The tune is from the oral tradition. Any version I've ever seen published claims to only be an arrangment.