Benjamin C. Grenup

This 1858 high relief depiction of the death of Benjamin Grenup by CH. Rousseau is part of a monument to Grenup in Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC.

The Smithsonian describes the monument this way.

An obelisk installed on a square base adorned with three reliefs. On the south side of the base is a relief of Grenup at the moment of his death when as a fire fighter he was run over by the water wagon. Four other figures react to the tragedy. One figure throws up his arms while the other three halt the wagon... -- SIRIS

The Washington Star, April  8, 1868, says that the bas-relief of Grenup being run over by the “Suction” engine was designed by an Italian artist named Galfardi “who commenced the work, but, returning to Italy, it was completed by Mr. Charles Rousseau, of this city.”

CH. Rousseau. Sculptor.

On the west side we find a fire hose coiled with a horn crossing its nozzle.

And on the east side, an axe, a torch and a spanner tied with a bowline.

The inscription on the north side tells the story:

Benjamin C. Grenup
Aged 24 Years
Killed in the Discharge of his Duty
May 6: 1856
This Monument is erected
By
Columbia Engine ㏇ № 1
To perpetuate the memory and noble deeds
Of a
Gallant Fireman
---
A truer nobler trustier heart
More loving or more loyal never beat
Within a human breast

Sarah Stierch at DCist tells it with appropriate dramaticality.

Until 1856, no firefighter had been recorded as dying on duty, despite violent turf wars and major city fires. That year on May 6, this would change, when a fire broke out at Shreeve's Stable on 7th Street NW. Columbia Firehouse #1 sent their volunteers to the scene. Amidst the frenzy, screams erupted from one of the water pumpers. A firefighter had been run over by his own engine company. Things took place so quickly – moments later 24-year-old Benjamin Grenup lay dead, crushed under the wheels of the pumper, a vehicle used to pump gallons of water for use during fires. -- DCist

Benjamin C. Grenup's photo appeared in the Washington Star September 15, 1929 in a John Clagett Proctor article about DC firefighting.

Benjamin C. Grenup, popular fireman who was killed in accident while 

descending Capital Hill May 6, 1856

The National Intelligencer  remarked that Benjamin Grenup “was by trade a granite cutter, and will be recollected by many of our citizens as an amateur vocalist of considerable ability, frequently appearing in concerts...”  Col. James A. Tait is quoted as saying at the dedication of the monument: “Poor Ben, beloved by all who knew him. No more shall we see your honest, handsome face. No more shall we hear those sweet baritone notes of song which were wont to thrill the ears of your comrades.”

Although Grenup died on May 6, 1856 and his funeral was held two days later, the monument was ceremoniously dedicated on May 6, 1868, 12 years later, the civil-war having intervened. 

The monument sits in a triangular park near the mortuary chapel surrounded by a fence and marked with red fire hydrants.

The maker of the fence is identified as J. H. Mead.

Columbia, Fire, Co.
№ 1
J. H. Mead, - Maker.
C. St, Between 9 & 10 Sts.
Washington.

The fire hydrants were patented in 1857:

 

Patented 1857

P. Ayers, New York

While John Kelly disputes the claim that Grenup's death was the very first on-duty death of a fireman recorded in DC, this monument dramatically highlights the dangers of 19th century fire-fighting.

Updated 2026.