Henry Kreft (1873-1886)

A very sad accident occurred on the Charles street hill near 31st street yesterday, resulting in the death of Henry Kreft, a boy 13 years of age. Henry and two other boys were running a race. He was ahead of his playmates and was flying at a lightning speed, but on striking a bump in the road was thrown violently from his sled. Close onto him was Gustav Godka and before he could steer out his sled it struck young Kreft causing internal hemorhage. Kreft got up and went into Mr. Godka's house and rested a short time when he again started for the hill believing he was all right. He had gone but little ways when he staggered and fell. The boys then put him on his sled and hauled him home.

Mr. and Mrs. kreft were at a neighbor's and did not return home until later in the evening. When they arrived the little fellow was unconscious and remained so until he died, which was about midnight. There no bruises on his body or any visible signs of violence, the injuries all being internal. The child suffered intensely for hours before he died. The body will be taken to Plumer's settlement, Iowa, for interment, next Wednesday. This is the first fatal accident that has yet been reported, from coasting.