A breakthrough in forensic science

In a remarkable twist of fate, the Kane County Coroner’s Office has identified a skull discovered more than 45 years ago during a home renovation in suburban Chicago. Thanks to advanced DNA technology, the remains have been confirmed as those of Esther Granger, a young woman who died over 150 years ago.

A glimpse into the past

Esther Granger, born in October 1848 in Indiana, died tragically at the age of 17 in 1866, likely due to complications during childbirth, according to Kane County Coroner Robert Russell. Originally buried in Merrillville, Indiana, her skull was inexplicably found 80 miles away in Batavia, Illinois.

The 1978 discovery

In 1978, a Batavia homeowner unearthed the skull within his walls during renovations. Despite efforts at the time, investigators could only determine that the skull belonged to a young woman from the 1800s. The case subsequently went cold.

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Stored at the Batavia Depot Museum, the skull resurfaced in March 2021, reigniting interest and leading to a new investigation. With cutting-edge forensic investigative genetic genealogy, officials contacted Othram, a Texas-based company specializing in cold cases.

DNA links to living relatives

Othram’s advanced DNA profiling, which included constructing a family tree, led to the discovery of living relatives. Granger’s great-great-grandson, Wayne Svilar, was contacted and provided a DNA sample that confirmed the match.

Svilar, a retired police sergeant from Portland, Oregon, expressed disbelief when first approached. “To be completely honest, we didn’t believe a word of it,” he shared. After multiple confirmations, the family experienced both shock and closure.

The mystery of the skull’s journey

The exact circumstances of how Granger’s skull ended up in Batavia remain unclear. Officials suspect she may have been a victim of grave robbing, possibly with her remains sold for medical study.

A final resting place

Granger’s remains have now been respectfully reburied at the West Batavia Cemetery, providing some solace to her descendants and closing a chapter in this intriguing historical mystery.