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.
The song seems to have originated in 1858. It was documented by Burl Ives on March 3, 1941, as part of his debut album Okeh Presents the Wayfaring Stranger.