American Ballads
by Phillips Barry
The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 25, No. 96 (Apr. - Jun., 1912), p. 188
NOTES AND QUERIES
AMERICAN BALLADS.-
The writer of this communication is making extended researches into the history of certain American folk-ballads, and
takes this opportunity of requesting information from readers of the Journal.
I. Fair Charlotte (Young Charlotte, Lottie).- Of a young woman who freezes to death by her lover's side, while riding in a sleigh with him to a Christmas Eve ball. This ballad was composed by William L: Carter of Benson, Vt., before 1833. It is current in popular tradition from Nova Scotia westward through the States from New England to Dakota, and southward to Oklahoma.
2. Jealous Lover (Florilla, Emma, Nellie, Lena, Aurilla, Ella, Abbie Summers, Weeping Willows). - Of a youth who takes his lady-love to walk in the woods and there stabs her, being stricken with remorse as she dies, forgiving him. This ballad, of unknown authorship, is current from Nova Scotia westward and southward through the States, New England to Kentucky, and westward to Missouri. Some texts contain stanzas derived from a song "She Never Blamed Him," by Thomas H. Bayly.
3. Casey Jones (Cassidy, Shannon, etc.). - Of the last run of an engineer, who becomes a hero by sticking to the throttle and going down in a wreck with his engine, while the fireman jumps to safety. This ballad, ascribed to the agile fireman, is current throughout the country, and is the source of the well-known vaudeville song.
Information is eagerly desired concerning the origin, authorship, and currency of these ballads, and particularly texts and melodies, for which the undersigned will be duly grateful to readers of the Journal, as being desirous of collecting all known versions.
PHILLIPS BARRY, A.M.