On This Date in Minnesota History: October 28

October 28, 1894 – After the Democratic rally at the Dakota County Courthouse in Hastings this evening Congressman O. W. Hall, of Red Wing, went to the depot to board the midnight freight for home. He was escorted by a number of prominent Democrats, including R. C. Libbey, Hastings’ well-known lumber merchant. The party started for the railroad drawbridge and in endeavoring to reach the caboose stepped off the trestle in the darkness, falling a distance of 20 feet. Mr. Hall was badly bruised about the face and head and sustained an injury to the hip. Mr. Libbey received a severe shock and injury to his back. Mr. Hall was removed to the Gardner House Hotel, where he is at present receiving medical attendance.

Because of his injuries Mr. Hall will be unable to fulfill his engagements in Meeker County. He expects to be able to be out on Wednesday, Oct. 31, and meet his Faribault engagement, and probably all following appointments.

St. Paul Daily Globe; “Hall Seriously Hurt. The Congressman Steps Off a Trestle and Falls Twenty Feet. Face, Head and Hip Hurt. Receiving Medical Attention at the Gardner House, Hastings. Ludwig on the Situation.”; October 29, 1894; p. 1.

Hastings Lift Bridge

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain October 28, 2014,
as long as acknowledgement included.