Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-15

the apparatus, but through the slipping of
cog somewhere, the detail never showed up,
and the Oldest Inhabitants had to drag it
all by themselves. However, it proved prac-
tical object lesson and those who took part
that day are not liable to attempt it again
it was a real mans job. One of the Oldest"
a youngster of 80 years, was hit with the
pole and was laid up for sometime. He has
not attended a meeting since.
OUCH accidents are liable to happen to much
younger men. One in mind was the I'M
fortunate death of Benjamin Grenup, which
occurred early in the morning of May 6, 1856.
The Star, then in the fourth year of its exist
ence, gave the following account of the I'M
fortunate occurrence:
Fatal Accdent-As the Columbia Fire
Company was on its way last night to the
fire upon Seventh street, a lamentable accident
occurred. which occasoned the almost instant
death of Mr.. Benjamin Grenup, young man
we'll known and much respected in this COM
munty 1t seems that in coming from the
engine house to Pennsylvania avenue, the most
active men are usually selected to guide the
engine down the hill, which is very steep, and
it is as much as swift runner can do to keep
in front of the apparatus. Last night, we
learn that the speed of the engine was so
great that it was necessary to check it by
changing the direction. In doing this Mr.
Grenup was caught between the tongue or
guiding pole of the apparatus and lamp
post, and SO injured that he died in a few
minutes"
The funeral, which took place on the day
following the accident, is also chronicled by
The Star as follows:
The funeral and parade yesterday was the
second solemn and impressive ceremony of this
nature occurring lately in this city, The pro-
cession started from the Columbia Engine
House, the body of the deceased being placed
In metallic coffin, upon which was inscribed
b. c. Grenup, killed in the discharge of his
duty as member of the Columbia Fire Com
pany May 6, 1856, aged "a years and months
The hearSe, drawn by four white horses
was accompanied along the line of march to
st. Peters Catholic Church. in the following
order:
The Columbia Fire Company marshaled
by Thomas Robinson, and with Esputas brass
band. The Stone Cutters Association, Frank
lin Fire Company, John White marshal:
Northern Liberties, Henry Keener marshal;
Western Hose Company, William Tenant,
marshal: Perseverance, John Fox, marshal;
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder, No. l, Joseph
Walding, marshal: American Hook and Ladder
William Ferguson, marshal; AnacoStia Fire
Company, Alexander Eaton, marshal; Union
Fire Company, a delegation of 10 members
from the Hook and Ladder company Of Balti-
more and the Friendship Fire Company from
Alexandria.
The funeral services were performed by
Rev. Mr.. Knight, after which the procession
proceeded to the vault of st. Patrck's Church.
where the remains Of the deceased were de-
posted"
GrenupS body did not remain long in St
PatrickS vault, but was soon afterward inferred
in Glenwood Cemetery, where beautiful
monument marks the spot the inscription
upon which reads:
BENJAMIN C. GRENUP
Aged "a Years
May 6, 1856
This monument is erected
by
. Columbia Engine Co, No
to perpetuate the memory and noble deeds
of
Gallant Fireman
A truer, nobier, trustier heart
more loving or more loyal never beat
within a human breast
The sculptor of the memorial was Oh
Rousseau, and the monument committee, c.
Kaufman w. P Hicks and P Kraft.
MUCH excitement was created on January
16, year ago, when "a alarms of fire
were sounded from 10:41 o'clock pm. to HIS
am. the following day. The midnight ride
of Tenth Battalion Chief George D. otter and
his Baltimore companies, who came to our as
Sstance upon this occasion, will be remembered
Tor long time. But, after all, this was onlv
another instance Of history repeating itself.
Tor more than 100 years before the volunteer
hre company acquitted itself with as much
credit as did our efficient department of todav.
Regarding this early occurrence, an old ar