William Hoag

William, circa 1967

  • Missing Since 05/10/1967
  • Missing From Hannibal, Missouri
  • Classification Lost/Injured Missing
  • Sex Male
  • Race White
  • Age 11 years old
  • Height and Weight Unknown
  • Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian male. Red hair, blue eyes. William's nicknames are Bill and Billy. He has a freckled complexion.

Details of Disappearance

William disappeared with his brother, Joel Hoag, and a friend, Edwin "Craig" Dowell. The boys were last seen on the south side of Hannibal, Missouri between 4:20 and 5:00 p.m.

They were carrying shovels and a flashlight, and said they were going to explore Murphy's Cave, near the Highway 79 construction project. Joel and William had been punished the night before for going to the cave without permission, and they weren't supposed to leave their yard. They left anyway while their parents were out. The three boys have never been heard from again.

That day, the construction work resulted in a cave-in at Murphy’s Cave. Because of the circumstances, authorities theorized the three boys were trapped inside the cave when it collapsed and weren't able to get out. Extensive search-and-rescue efforts turned up no sign of any of them, however.

In 2006, construction workers building a new elementary school on Highway 79 found a small cave about 50 feet long. Authorities checked it to see if the Hoag brothers or Craig were there, but they didn't find anything.

Because nothing was ever found, there's speculation that the children weren't lost in the cave and something else caused their disappearances. There's no evidence to support any other theories, however. A memorial marker for the boys has been placed in the vicinity of the cave.

William and Joel left behind five brothers and four sisters. Their family owned Hoag's Tavern, a popular restaurant on Main Street. William attended A.D. Stowell Elementary School at the time of his disappearance, and was a member of the Royal Ambassadors, a youth group at his church

The three boys' cases remain unsolved. In 2010, author Charles Stewart published a book about them, titled A Sorrow of the Heart.

Investigating Agency

  • Hannibal Police Department

Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated June 3, 2012; picture added, distinguishing characteristics and details of disappearance updated.