A victim of the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918, Carleton B. Jones (1884-1918) died at his home on Maple Avenue one day shy of his thirty-fourth birthday. He was sick for about a week with a flu that later developed into pneumonia.

Jones attended Collinsville schools and graduated from Collinsville High School in 1902. He was also a graduate of Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts (1904) and the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University (1907). After college, he returned to Collinsville where he was employed as a chemist by the Collins Company. After several terms as Canton’s assessor, he was elected judge of probate in 1916.

Active in community affairs, he was a deacon of the Collinsville Congregational Church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He also served as chairman of the parade committee for the Liberty Loan drive to support the war effort during World War I. According to a newspaper report, “his many activities brought him into contact with people in all walks of life and his genial manner secured for him many friends."

Jones married Elizabeth Hall of New Haven in 1911. They had two children. The funeral was held at home.

Carleton B. Jones is buried in the Village Cemetery, Collinsville.

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past. Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.