Villisca Axe Murder House - Villisca, Iowa
History On June 9, 1912, the Moore family of Villisca, Iowa attended the Children’s Day Service at the Villisca Presbyterian Church. This Sunday event would mark the last time the Moore family would be seen alive. Josiah B. “Joe” Moore was the owner of a local hardware store while his wife, Sarah, was active in the Presbyterian Church. Together, they had four children: Herman (age 11), Katherine (age 10), Boyd (age 7) and Paul (age 5). The family was well-respected and adored throughout their community. Following their attendance at the Children’s Day Service, the family returned home. That night, they were accompanied by two local children who had been invited to spend the night, Lena and Ina Stillinger. By 7 a.m. the next morning, Mary Peckham, a neighbor of the Moore’s, became concerned by the lack of activity at the Moore home and knocked on their door. When she received no response she phoned Ross Moore, Josiah’s brother. Ros...
