It had a long oral tradition, but was first published in Linscott's Folk Songs of Old New England . John Ross was a famous lumberman, as was Sebat. Sebat was said to have lived in the 1860s or 1870s and came from New Brunswick. Both oxen and horses were used for hauling lumber. Oxen teams were known as bullwackers.
Hovel refers to the barn in lumber camps.
Wherever you may be, I hope you'll pay attention And listen unto me. Twas early in the season, In the fall of Twenty-five, John Ross he sent four oxen up For Carpenter to drive. With lots of other knickknacks That he had stored away. And his bunk chains also, All for to bind his spruce and pine While hauling through the snow. As I strolled out one morning, Just at the break of day, I heard two men a-talking.