This first name is given to ginger plants in the South that are chewed and spit on courtroom floors to wish for luck in legal matters. “Bunkshanty” stories about a figure with this first name describe how he saved money by not crossing T’s or dotting I’s. Zora Neale Hurston recorded how a figure with this name returned to Africa, but could be summoned through a testicle-shaped plant found in mojo bags. Jalap (“JAL-up”) root is sometimes named for a Hoodoo king with this name and the epithet “the Conqueror.” An accountant with this first name used a hose to spray ink as a companion of Paul Bunyan. In a folk ballad, a figure with this first name proclaims “I will die with a hammer in my hand” in a race against a steam drill. For 10 points, give this first name of a “steel-driving man” with the surname Henry. ■END■
ANSWER: John [accept Johnny or Jack; accept John Henry; accept John the Conqueror or High John de Conqueror or John the Conqueroo; accept John the Conqueror root; accept Chewing John or Little John or Low John; accept Johnny Inkslinger]
<Mythology>
= Average correct buzz position