Yes, it is the same song.

Is the name of this composition

"Darling NELLY Gray" or

"Darling NELLIE Gray"?

Was it written by

B. R. HANBY or

R. B. HANDY?

The little plain book on the left got it right. Cole's Deluxe Edition did not.

~ FURTHER READING ~

Benjamin Russell Hanby died in 1867 at the age of 33. But in that short lifespan, he accomplished much.
He assisted his father in the abolitionist efforts of the Underground Railroad.
He was a school teacher who became a school principal.
He started a career as a United Brethren minister, but gave that up to direct a singing school and to work for a couple of music publishers.
He wrote over 80 songs, including a hymn titled "Who Is He In Yonder Stall."
Two of his best-known songs are "Up On The Housetop" and "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas."
. . .
And now you know that it was he—and not R B Handy—that wrote "Darling Nelly Gray."
What we don't know is whether Nelly ever wrote him back!