Villisca, Iowa
Early 1900s Midwestern Town, [Around 2500 People]
Josiah Moore (One of Villisca's most prominent businessmen), his wife Sarah, and his 4 children: Herman (11), Katherine (10), Boyd (7), & Paul (5).
Lena (12) & Ina (8)
On Sunday afternoon, June 9th, 1912, the Moore family wanted to attend the children's day service at their church. The neighbor children Lena & Ina wanted to go with the Moore family, so they did. The Children's Day Service was an end of the year Sunday School Program. When it ended, the parents & kids hung around chatting until about 9:30 pm. Then, they headed home with the neighbor children- walking the 3 blocks to their house & went to bed.
On June 10th, at 7:30 AM, the neighbor went to check on the Moore household because it would normally be noisy with children playing and Josiah on the farm; however, this time, it was dead silent. She knocked on the door and received no answer. After walking around the back she saw that the family chickens were still cooped up and the livestock were still tied up as well. Confused, she calls Josiah's brother Ross, and he stated that it was strange that they weren't home. Ross decided to head over at 8:00 AM to see what's going on. He was met by the neighbor to help look for the spare key. Once Ross finds the key, he opens the door and walks in.
