James
Pierpont composed the song at Simpson
Tavern and first performed it in 1850.
He later moved to Savannah,
Georgia, and finally published the song in 1857 (hence the misunderstanding
that the song was written there). He passed away in Savannah,
although was buried in his hometown, Medford,
Massachusetts.
This bronze plaque is displayed on 19 High Street in Medford Square.
And the original version complete with chorus is shown below:
