5/22/2009:
On this date in 1933, Grant County residents took stock of damage inflicted by a killer tornado the previous evening. At least 18 were known dead, but rescue efforts were hampered by downed power lines and washed out roads and culverts.
Hardest hit was the Harold Lamb family of New Leipzig. Two daughters were visiting neighbors, but the remainder of the family was trapped when the storm hit. The twister demolished their house, killing four children and injuring both parents and another child.
Crew members on a Northern Pacific train were warned by telegraph to expect high winds as they neared New Leipzig that evening. The tornado hit as the train was spanning a 75 foot-high trestle bridge. The wind broke out the train's windows, and an inch of rain quickly collected inside the cars. Conductor Charles McAllister, who was traveling in the back coach, reported his car was lifted into the air. When it came down, it miraculously landed back on the rails.
Dakota Datebook written by Merry Helm
Source: The Bismarck Tribune. 23 May 1933:1.