"THROUGH THE YEARS WITH THE NEWARK FIRE DEPARTMENT"

By Ted Vrana

The First Gig Driver

The first gig driver in the Newark Fire Department was a most genial and efficient colored young man named Lorenzo Dowd Trent. He was born in West Virginia and became an orphan just before the start of the Civil War. It was during the summer of 1861 that the 13th New Jersey Regiment arrived in West Virginia. This unit was made up largely of men from Newark and surrounding area. Shortly after setting up their camp it was discovered that a 12-year-old youngster named Lorenzo had just wandered in. It was the boy's congenial mannerism from the very beginning that made him welcomed by the men, and before long he was known throughout the camp as the regiment's mascot. He remained with these men throughout their campaign in the south, and at the close of the war came north with them.

As an interesting side note, a 16-year-old boy named Joseph E. Sloan joined the 13th New Jersey Regiment in 1862, and was sent to their encampment in West Virginia, where he served until the war's end - in the same camp where Lorenzo was the mascot. In 1867, Sloan was 21 years of age and was working as an apprentice tool maker. During that year, he joined Moses Bigelow Steam Engine Company No. 4, volunteer badge #74. He continued up through the ranks of the department, being appointed as Chief Engineer in 1911.

The year is 1867 - Lorenzo is 19 years of age and residing in Newark. From all reports he was a sober and very industrious young man, working in and around stables of this city as a groom. It was this same year that a gentleman named Ellis R. Carhuff was appointed Chief Engineer of the Newark Fire Department. One of the Chief's first innovations was to respond to alarms of fire on horseback. During this year, Lorenzo was hired as a stable boy by the city to care for Chief Carhuff's horse. In 1871, the Common Council approved purchase of a horse-drawn, two-wheel gig for the Chief Engineer's use. Since Lorenzo had for many years cared for the Chief's horses, it was his wish that the city hire him as a gig driver. It was not long before Lorenzo became known throughout the city as "Alonzo," the Chief's driver. It became a familiar sight whenever the tower sounded an alarm of fire, that one of the first pieces of fire equipment to be seen was the Chief's gig. Most amusing, as they went dashing through the cobblestone streets was Alonzo sitting erect and smiling by the Chief's side. He was in his element at every fire and always anxious to be first on the scene and offer his assistance. It was this obliging and kindly nature that won his friends throughout the entire department.

I believe that one of Lorenzo's happiest days as a gig driver was on September 29, 1880 during the Annual Parade of the Newark Fire Department. From all accounts it was one of the finest parades held in many years. It was witnessed by throngs of people along the entire line of march. In planning the parade, Chief Engineer David E. Benedict, then head of the department, had decided that he, together with his First and Second Assistant Chiefs, would head the first division of the parade. The second division was led by his Third and Fourth Assistant Chiefs. The third, and last division, which was greeted by cheers and applause along the entire line of march, was headed by the Chief's gig with the one and only Lorenzo in full charge.

It was Sunday afternoon, on January 9, 1881, that Lorenzo answered his last alarm. Box 35, then located on New Jersey Railroad Avenue between Green and Elm Streets, was sounded at 3:52 P.M. for a chimney fire at 76 Liberty Street. On their way back to headquarters shortly after 4 P.M., Lorenzo was not himself and complained of having chills and feeling very cold. Chief Benedict immediately saw that Lorenzo was very ill and needed medical attention. The Chief dropped him off at his home, stating he would take care of the gig and stable the horse. He further instructed Lorenzo not to return to work until he was well enough to do so. His condition did not improve, and on January 15, it became necessary to have him removed to Saint Michael's Hospital, where his illness was said to be meningitis.

To the sorrow of many, he passed away at the hospital on January 21. The funeral was from his home on Oak Street on January 24, with interment in Grave 21, 7th Adult row at Evergreen Cemetery. Services were held at the Saint John's Methodist Episcopal Church, then located at 107 Academy Street. The church was crowded to overflowing, and among those attending were Chief Benedict and ex-Chiefs Carhuff and Brown, all of whom Lorenzo had served in his 14 years with the Newark Fire Department. There were also officers and members representing every fire company in the City of Newark. Captain Meeker, with a delegation from the Salvage Corps (Underwriter's Protective Association), also paid their last respects. Reports have it that the floral tributes were numerous and very beautiful. The services at the church were conducted by the Reverend Dickerson of the Saint John's Church, with Reverend Jackson of the Baptist Church, and assisted by Reverend Davenport of the Plane Street Church, in the pulpit.