Chief Francis O’Neill wrote that uilleann piper Bernard Delaney introduced the tune to Chicago traditional musicians in the late 19th century, although he initially attributed it to South Leitrim piper (and Chicago police sergeant) James Early in his first publication, Music of Ireland (1903). O’Neill recalled that the sudden popularity of “My Former Wife” caused some embarrassment for Delaney, as it was among the “pet” jigs he most enjoyed performing at public events.