The original of "Will the Circle be Unbroken" was posted by Gene in thread 2479: Will the Circle

According to Cyberhymnal, the song was written sometime before 1908. The words are by Ada R. Habershon and music by Charles H. Gabriel. Ada Hahershon wrote over 200 songs, but little is known about her. ?Dates of birth and death? Cyberhymnal is looking for a photograph. Will the Circle
A shortened version by Fannie Crosby, used regularly on the Grand Old Opry, is the one many people know.

"Can the Circle Be Unbroken" apparently is a rewrite by the Carters. Many others have mixed up the titles, and written revisions of their own.