Villisca Murder Story

Villisca, Iowa, a small city, where everyone knew everyone, and if you didn’t it wouldn’t be long until you did. Back then, your typical family was nothing compared to the present day. Families were more trustworthy of their neighborhood, by this it’s saying people never had a reason to not trust their community, it was friendly, small, and reliable. Then all that suddenly changed. Every person was drastically impacted and stunned to know that a murder as horrific as this was committed in their town, June 10, 1912 was a day that no one could ever forget. The Moore family was your average family. The family members included: Josiah Moore, and his wife Sarah, their four children, Herman, Katherine, Paul, and Boyd. Josiah Moore was a well

Sarah was a member of the Presbyterian Church and ran the children's group. The eldest of their son, Herman, was often seen by his dad's side. The Daughter, Katherine was the one who was friends with the Stillinger Sisters. Boyd and Paul, the youngest boys, were very young at the time of their deaths, unfortunately. It just so happened that that night two of Katherine’s friends were also found murdered, Lena Stillinger and her sister Ina Stillinger, both coming from the church that the Moores went to that day. Katherine was the one that invited the girls to stay over at the Moore residence that night because the girls have children's group together. 8 people total that night were the victims of an unforgettable event. Each person was found dead in their beds, all of them executed with an axe in the middle of the night on June 9th. The murderer was never found, therefore goes as a cold case. Given the time period this took place, the killer took this secret to their

As http://www.villiscamovie.com/story_01.htm states, “ The first was a four-pound piece of slab bacon leaning against the wall next to the axe. The murderer had also searched dresser drawers for pieces of clothing to cover the mirrors in the house and the glass in the entry doors” (Epperly). The following days were not the best in that town. With many thinking that a killer was still on the loose and could strike again, tensions were higher than ever. After that, families became more cautious. It seemed as though everyone had a reason to blame everyone. They all thought that this person did it, or they had thoughts of why this person could be a suspect. It turned this small town completely against each other. http://www.villiscamovie.com/story_02.htm stated, “During the ensuing days, families doubled up with a shotgun guard awake all night. Locks were sold out, windows nailed shut, and dogs “prized above all else.” Rumors blossomed by the hundreds” (Epperly). The Moore family did have an enemy though, Frank Jones. Frank Jones was the owner of Jones store, the company that Josiah worked at for several years, until he left and went to work for John Deere Franchise. There were also rumors about Josiah having an affair with Frank's daughter which also could cause more hate towards him. Anyone is capable of murder, you just don’t know their limit. The Moore family happened to be the victims of a brutal