According to my info "Kemo Kimo" was around since the early 1840's as a minstrel tune. It was popular during the Civil War and also in the repertoire of minstrel performer Sam Cowell.

Is it possible that originally it was "toe" and that was misheard as "tow." Since "tow" makes sense it was used by the songsters in the 1850's.

-Richie