William Jones

William Jones, a 17-year-old from Baltimore, died in 1887 while held at Maryland's reform school for Black boys, the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children in Cheltenham. His grave is one of a handful of marked graves in the woods near the State Veterans Cemetery, and his gravestone has been pushed sideways by tree roots. WJLA reports that about 230 boys who died in custody there lie unmarked. State lawmakers and former juvenile services officials are now seeking to research the boys' names and stories and honor them. Neither source gives a cause or manner of his death.

Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined

News reports (2)

• Graves near site of Maryland reform school for Black children rediscovered The Washington Post, July 17, 2025
• Maryland leaders look to preserve history of Black boys who died at former reform school WJLA, September 23, 2025