Have some background here:

This is a William Jolliff poem set to a traditional tune and was recorded by Tracy Grammer.
Her liner notes tell that it is based on the tune "The Johnson Boys".
Quaker.com says:
-William Jolliff, an English professor at George Fox University, is a songwriter, poet, Quaker peace activist, and gospel bluegrass performer. He has written close to 40 songs and produced seven recordings. Folk singer Tracy Grammer's album "Flower of Avalon," includes a song Jolliff wrote. Laughlin Boy is a re-written traditional piece about a Civil War conscientious objector.

-A song written by William Jolliff(Writing/Literature) was included on folksinger Tracy Grammer's just-released albumFlower of Avalon. Jolliff's song,"Laughlin Boy,"is a rewritten traditional piece about a CivilWar conscientious objector. Jolliff has written close to 40 songs and produced seven recordings. Lyrics to the song are available at
tracygrammer.com/music.html.

Also found on the Internet:
'William Jolliff, who plays the banjo and guitar, says his grandmother introduced him to old-time country music as a young boy.He has a background in bluegrass but is now focusing on gospel."I tried to present gospel in a way that doesn't seem so narrow," he said.
...
William Jolliff, an English and literature professor at George Fox University since 1994, wrote "Laughlin Boy" while seeking heroic songs for a children's album he was in the process of recording.
...
Jolliff, a Quaker, decided to rewrite the lyrics into a song that glorifies peace rather than war.

"Its a great old tune, but it was time to get reformed," Jolliff said.

AnneMC