Jay-

Aside from "Keel Row" being a popular fiddle and fife tune (see: Bayard) in the Pennsylvania (northeast US) region, there might be a connection to bluegrass music/old-time music through the "Cat's got the measles" ditty that is sometimes sung as the refrain. The old-time/jazz song "Cat's Got the Measles and the Dog's Got the Whoopin' Cough" possibly borrowed the material from the lyrics/structure of "Keel Row" though they are different songs.

Could an English reel from 1774 be the inspiration for some of the lyrics to an American blues/jazz tune from 1924 (banjoist Papa Charlie Jackson)?

-Richie