It’s spooky season! To celebrate, we asked a local historian to tell us exactly where the bones lie—specifically, the skulls.
Adam Selzer is an expert on the evil and nefarious characters in Chicago’s history. As an author, Mysterious Chicago tour guide, and co-host of the “Tomb Snoopers” podcast, Selzer leads excursions through local graveyards, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and even haunted bus tours—all running through early November. If you’re interested in exploring the city’s ghostly past, these tours are not to be missed.
Here are a few of Selzer’s favorite “headcases,” along with some others who have been profiled by the Chicago Tribune over the decades.
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### Vintage Chicago Tribune: Unearthing the Lives of Graceland Cemetery’s Lesser-Known Residents with Adam Selzer
One intriguing figure is Jean, a Benedictine bishop born in France who became a missionary in Belgium during the 600s.
Another fascinating story comes from the Rev. Dennis B. O’Neill, pastor emeritus of St. Martha’s, who serves as curator of the Shrine of All Saints. O’Neill regularly gathers relics for the shrine and is always on the lookout for new additions. He has even authored a book detailing the origins of many relics in the collection.
“I love history,” O’Neill said. “St. Martha is clearly my last parish because I’m getting old, and the building was ideal for it. The bulk of relics were rescued from churches, monasteries, convents, palace chapels, and chapels.”
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Thanks for reading!
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/vintage-chicago-tribune-skull-duggery-infamous-bones/
