Along with his brothers Elmer and Carl, Walter Carlson (1908-1919) was crossing the Farmington River ice in February just below the stone piers where the upper railroad bridge then crossed. All three boys broke through the ice. Their cries could be heard on shore. Theodore Miller found a rope and carefully crawled out on the frozen river. He fastened the rope around both Elmer and Carl and pulled them to safety. Unfortunately, Walter was drawn under the ice. When his body was recovered later, rescuers attempted to revive him with a pulmotor, a respiratory apparatus for pumping oxygen or air into and out of the lungs.  Their efforts were unsuccessful.

Walter Carlson 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.