April 30, 1812.

Here is Hiller's summary of events in our tale for April 30, 1812.  Once again, from the “Greenville Journal,” Apr. 13, 1870, “PERSONAL REMINISCENCES,” by John S. Hiller:

“About two o’clock in the morning we all started for the fort, as we afterward called; all got in safe about daybreak.  That day was spent fortifying the house.  The body of Rush was still left out in the woods, there not being men enough to go after it and guard the women and children.  In the evening when the alarm was given and when people were flying in the greatest consternation, Mr. Sumption, a man of some sixty years of age, without consulting any one took his gun and on foot and alone went to Troy, arriving there about sunrise.  Another man, whose name I have forgotten, the same night went to Lexington, Preble county.”

The "fort, as we afterward called [it]," or James Rush's home, naturally then takes the name "Ft. Rush" in Wilson's 1914 "History of Darke County."  Wilson also clarifies Sumption's first name as Charles.

I'm busy looking around Darke County presently, and tomorrow will run up to Michigan to speak to a wonderful lady of the age of wisdom, and from there or late tomorrow from Darke, I shall share the conclusion.