The 1912 Villisca Axe Murders Blog

98th Anniversary of the 1912 Villisca, Iowa Ax Murders

Today is the 98th anniversary of the June 10, 1912 Villisca, Iowa axe murders.  The victims included Josiah Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Paul and Boyd, and two visiting children Lena and Ina Stillinger.

The victims of violent acts are often forgotten in the rush to sensationalize and exploit a famous crime.  The Moores and Stillingers were no more and no less important than anyone else, but we take a moment today to remember them as people, not victims; as human beings, not "paranormal" phenomenas.

There is no way to know what each of these people would have accomplished, but they deserved a chance to follow their hopes and dreams, and to experience the ordinary moments of a life lived in the absence of violence.

"Villisca: Living with a Mystery" Star Nelle C. Palmquist Dies

 Nelle C. Palmquist (1994). Fourth Wall Films photo.

Nelle C. Palmquist, one of the shining stars of Villisca: Living with a Mystery, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in Iowa City at the age of 95.

One of our more enjoyable and memorable experiences while shooting our first documentary feature film was the afternoon we spent interviewing Nelle Palmquist in Villisca in 1994.  Nelle's father-in-law worked for 1912 Villisca axe murder suspect Frank F. Jones for more than 30 years, so her insight into Jones' family and farm implement store owner, banker, and State Senator Jones was fascinating.

Nelle attended the sold-out showing of the finished film in 2004 at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  That night, as at other previous and subsequent showings, Nelle's comments about Frank Jones' son Albert received the biggest laugh from the crowd.

Interviewee (off camera): "Do you think Albert Jones might have been guilty of the murders?"

Nelle: "No, he was too dumb.  No, huh uh.  My husband used to say that he [Albert Jones] left his brains in the dresser drawer and there was nothing left under his cap. [she laughs]  So that's our version of...oh...[under her breath] maybe I shouldn't have said that."

We are grateful for Nelle's participation in our true crime film and we extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends.  She will be missed.

Her official obituary follows below:

Nelle C. Palmquist, 95, of Iowa City died peacefully at the home of her daughter, Janet Hoffey, on Tuesday, December 15, 2009.

Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11am, Saturday, December 19, 2009 at St. Joseph Church in Villisca, IA. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph's Church, Villisca, St. Patrick's Church, Iowa City, or Iowa City Hospice. Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City.

Nelle was born December 30, 1913 in Magnolia, IA, the daughter of Con and Mary Reardon. She married John W. Palmquist on May 15, 1935 in Omaha. After they moved to Villisca in 1938, they were instrumental in the founding of St. Joseph's Church.

Nelle moved to Iowa City in 1999 and was a member of St. Patrick's Church.

Nelle is survived by three daughters, Joan Jamison of Ankeny, Janet Hoffey of Iowa City, Jeanne Schenk of Baytyown, TX, and one son, Mark Palmquist (Patty) of Lilburn, GA; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, three brothers, one sister and two sons-in-law, Jerry Hoffey and Bruce Jamison.

In Memoriam - Beth Wojtkiewicz

We are saddened by the passing of our friend Beth Wojtkiewicz.  Beth and husband Russ worked with us on our Villisca documentary project.  She was a talented musician and teacher.

The photo above depicts Beth and Russ in a lighter moment in the kitchen of the Moore house during a 1994 Villisca shoot.

We will remember Beth for her brilliant smile, sense of humor, and easy laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Evan Wojtkiewicz Education Fund or for the St. Therese School Music Department Memorial Fund.

 

Russ, Beth, and Evan in 1999.

Beth's memorial web page.