Preston, MN Waterspout, May 1902

Water Spout in Minnesota Covers Preston With Eight Feet of Water

PRESTON, Minn., May 19. -- The waterspout that struck Notre Preston last night flooded the country for miles around and caused the death by drowning of four children, members of the family of WILBUR WILBRIGHT, near Forestville, and the death by lightning of ALDERMAN GONKEY, of Preston. The property loss will be heavy.

Reports from the western part of the county say it was one of the worst storms ever witnessed in that section. On the level prairies in the township of oYrk[sic] farmers lost a great deal of stock and near Granger about twenty buildings were demolished.

MICHAEL WILBRIGHT, living west of Forestville, lost four children, his barn, house and contents, being swept down stream. Three bodies have been found.

Eight feet of water swept over Preston, moving eight or ten houses from their foundations. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul tracks were washed away for miles out of Preston and the depot twisted around.

The Coleman Lumber Company's yards are under from two to three feet of mud and water and much of the lumber has been carried off by the flood.

Reno Evening Gazette Nevada 1902-05-19
__________________

Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!