After decades of mystery, the skull of 18-year-old Esther Granger, who died in childbirth in 1866, was identified through DNA testing, raising questions about how it ended up in a Batavia home.

The identification of Esther Granger's skull, which was found hidden within a wall during renovations in Batavia, Illinois in 1978, sheds light on the potential grave robbing practices of the 19th century. Through crowdfunding and advanced DNA analysis performed by Othram Laboratories, Granger's remains were traced to her great-great-grandson, prompting investigations into how her remains ended up hundreds of miles from her original burial site in Lake County, Indiana.

The history of Esther Granger's remains began in 1866 when she died shortly after giving birth to her daughter in Merrillville, Indiana, due to complications. Her remains were laid to rest in Lake County, Indiana, as indicated by burial records. However, questions have arisen regarding how her skull ended up in Illinois.

The skull was discovered in 1978 during extensive renovations of a home in Batavia, Illinois. It was stored at the Batavia Depot Museum for nearly 50 years before its rediscovery in March 2021.

After the skull was rediscovered, police were contacted to initiate formal identification. This step was crucial as authorities sought to uncover the dynamics behind how the skull might have reached its current location. The need for identification intensified the investigation and highlighted the importance of using modern forensic methods.

In a significant advancement, DNA testing was conducted by Othram Laboratories, which successfully matched the skull's DNA to Wayne Svilar, Granger’s great-great-grandson. This match not only established the identity of the skull but also reignited discussions around historical burial and graveyard ethics, as well as the potential for grave robbing practices in the 19th century.

Coroner Rob Russell commented on the circumstances surrounding Granger's remains, speculating that her body may have been stolen by grave robbers, a widespread occurrence during that era. This insight opens a dialogue about the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of deceased individuals and their burial sites over a century ago. How remains were managed and the respect afforded to them have evolved significantly since Granger's time.

In response to the need for identification funding, a crowdfunding campaign was initiated via DNASolves.com, which successfully raised $7,500. The fundraising enabled the DNA testing that ultimately led to Granger's identification. Wayne Svilar, initially skeptical about the legitimacy of the match, expressed relief upon confirming the results linking him to his ancestor. His skepticism was indicative of the emotional weight such discoveries carry within families, highlighting both the historical loss and newfound connection.

Ultimately, in August 2024, Granger's skull was interred at West Batavia Cemetery, providing a final resting place for a young woman whose life ended tragically. This interment not only serves as a poignant conclusion to the story of Esther Granger but represents a respectful acknowledgment of her existence and the historical injustices that might have led to her remains being disturbed.

As further investigations may arise from this case, the story of Esther Granger serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of human remains and the importance of honoring the deceased. Her identification illustrates how modern technology can intersect with historical mysteries, shedding light on past events and enabling families to reconnect with their ancestry.