I’d read about this in a couple of books on the history of The Natchez Trace. Funny that the article didn’t mention that the inn he died in was on the Trace, which was known to be the prowling grounds for bandits and thieves. If I recall correctly, there were also some questions about Priscilla Knight Grinder, the wife of the owner, as over the years her versions of the event repeatedly changed.
Right. The Natchez Trace was a dangerous trail through a lot of backwater southern areas known for robbers.
And it wasn’t unknown for innkeepers to work hand in glove with the bandits.