Villisca Axe Murder House
Eight people were axe-murdered in their beds. The killer was never found. The house is now one of America's most haunted locations, with visitors reporting voices, moving objects, and overwhelming dread.
On June 10, 1912, eight people were brutally murdered in a small Iowa home. The killer was never identified. Today, the Villisca Axe Murder House is considered one of America’s most haunted locations.
The Murders
According to historical records:
The victims:
- Josiah B. Moore (43) and his wife Sarah (39)
- Their children: Herman (11), Katherine (10), Boyd (7), and Paul (5)
- Two overnight guests: Lena (12) and Ina (8) Stillinger
The scene:
- All eight killed with an axe
- Murdered in their beds while sleeping
- Mirrors were covered with cloth
- A bowl of bloody water was found
- The killer stayed in the house for hours after the murders
The Investigation
The case was never solved:
- Over 100 suspects investigated
- Two trials resulted in acquittals
- The axe belonged to Josiah Moore
- The killer left few clues
- Multiple theories but no conviction
Primary Suspects
Frank F. Jones: A local businessman with a grudge against Josiah Moore over a business deal. He allegedly hired a killer.
William “Blackie” Mansfield: A traveling killer suspected of similar murders across the Midwest.
Reverend George Kelly: Confessed to the crime under torture but was acquitted twice. He had mental health issues.
Henry Lee Moore (no relation): Committed similar axe murders; some believe he’s the same killer.
The House Today
The house is now a tourist destination:
- Preserved in 1912 condition
- Available for tours and overnight stays
- A popular location for paranormal investigators
Reported Phenomena
Visitors and investigators report:
- Voices of children
- Footsteps on the stairs
- Objects moving
- Cold spots
- Feelings of overwhelming sadness
- EVP recordings of voices
- Shadow figures
- Physical sensations of being touched
Notable Investigations
The house has been investigated by:
- Ghost Adventures
- Ghost Hunters
- Numerous paranormal teams
- Documentary crews
Many investigations have captured unexplained evidence.
The Children’s Room
The most active location is reportedly the children’s bedroom:
- Investigators report hearing children’s voices
- Toys allegedly move on their own
- Ball-throwing games occur
- Cold spots are common
- Many visitors feel unwelcome
Historical Context
1912 America saw several similar crimes:
- Axe murders in Colorado Springs
- Similar killings in Kansas
- Some believe a traveling serial killer was responsible
- The pattern of covered mirrors appears in multiple cases
Visiting
The house offers:
- Daytime tours
- Overnight stays
- Group investigations
- Historical information
Many overnight guests report experiences they cannot explain.
Legacy
The Villisca murders remain:
- One of America’s most notorious unsolved crimes
- A haunted location drawing thousands annually
- A cold case still studied by researchers
- A tragedy that marked a small town forever