The song appears to date back to at least 1858. It was recorded by Burl Ives on March 3, 1941 for his debut album Okeh Presents the Wayfaring Stranger.
This tune appears to have been created at least as far back as 1858. Burl Ives recorded it on March 3, 1941, for his inaugural album Okeh Presents the Wayfaring Stranger.