On the night of June 9, 1912, the town of Villisca, IA was rocked by 8 horrendous murders. Six members of the Moore family Josiah B. Sarah and their four children Herman Montgomery (11), Mary Katherine (10), Arthur Boyd (7), Paul Vernon (5), and two guests were viciously bludgeoned to death in the Moore’s residence. This is a crime that has been unsolved for 110 years.

On June 9 the affluent Moore family, Josiah B, Sarah (his wife) and their 4 children and two of the children’s friends, Ina Mae (8) and Lena Gertrude Stillinger (12) attended a Children’s Day Program at the Presbyterian church. With the Children’s Day Program over late in the evening, Joe Moore calls Blanche Stillinger to ask if the girls Ina Mae and Lena Gertrude could stay over, as the two did not want to walk to their grandmother’s house in the dark, Blanche stated that this would be fine. This was around 9:45 or 10 pm.

The bodies of all eight were found the next morning a neighbor grew concerned that the Moore’s had not come out for their morning chores, and called Ross Moore, Josiah’s brother, who unlocked the door and checked the guest bedroom to see the horror that lay inside. Ross told the neighbor to call Henry Horton, the towns primary peace officer.

A search of the house was conducted in which all six of the Moore family and the two Stillinger girls’ bodies were found. The murder weapon was a bloodied axe, that belonged to Josiah Moore, it was found in the in the guest bedroom, where the Stillinger girl’s body was found.

There was an investigation into the murders, and several people were arrested, but no one was convicted of this heinous crime.

This place has been visited by paranormal investigators for a long time, it’s been featured on tv shows, local news there was even a movie based on the happenings of June 9 and 10 of 1912. So what draws paranormal investigators to such a place? In my opinion The Moore House is a place that is perfect for investigating. The History is out there for all to read, but it is the evidence that the paranormal community is looking for, continued existence after the mortal body has perished.

Many paranormal investigating groups have visited the Villisca Axe Murder house, and have had varying evidence captured. If you and your group are up for it, I would suggest going to Villisca for either a day tour, the cost is $10 per person and no reservation is needed, just show up Tuesday-Sunday 1 PM to 3:30 pm. An Overnight stay will run you $428 which allows a group of 1 to 6 people. For more information, check out the Villisca Ax Murder House website at https://www.villiscaiowa.com/index.php.

This is Mike D signing off, stay spooky my friends.