Edmund and Helen Graves (see Graves-Campbell-Thompson house) were renting a house in Whites Creek and owned eight to ten family slaves, including Winney. In February 1849, there was spring like weather and Winney attempted to gain her freedom by fleeing to Nashville. She stayed with Shed Peters, a free mulatto blacksmith who lived on Charlotte Pike. During this time there was a deadly outbreak of cholera.
Graves recaptured Winney who was said to value $600. He sued Shed Peters for negro stealing and for harboring a fugitive, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Winney resumed her labors at the Graves farm until freedom came after the Civil War.
More information can be found at The Past Remembered Volume 1 by Paul Clements, Clearview Press, 1987.
These and other historical books can be found at http://www.eldersbookstore.com/