Elmira Reformatory Biographical Registers and Receiving Blotters
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Overview of the Records
Repository:
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
Summary:
These registers contain a two-page summary of information on each inmate admitted to Elmira during the period 1879 to 1957.
The majority of the information was recorded at the time of admission to Elmira, with only minor notations relating to inmate
conduct and discharge. The detail of information recorded increased over time, particularly information relating to the crime
for which committed and to past criminal record.
Creator:
Title:
Quantity:
211 cubic feet
170 volumes
Inclusive Dates:
1879-1957
Series Number:
B0141
Arrangement
Numerical by inmate consecutive number (essentially a chronological arrangement by date of admission).
Scope and Content Note
These registers contain a two-page summary of information on each inmate admitted to Elmira during the period 1879 to 1957.
The records were known as "Biographical Registers" until the early 1930's when the title was changed to "Receiving Blotters."
The majority of the information was recorded at the time of admission to Elmira, with only minor notations relating to inmate
conduct and discharge. The detail of information recorded increased over time, particularly information relating to the crime
for which committed and to past criminal record including juvenile delinquency.
The information recorded in the registers includes: date received and inmate number, including inmate number of previous admission
to Elmira; identifying information (name, date of birth, address, color, physical features); information on crime (crime,
date, date of arrest, arresting agency, court of sentencing, judge, plea, maximum sentence, date eligible for parole); nativity
and residence (birthplace, address, length of residence, name and address of nearest relative); miscellaneous personal information
(mental age, religion, dates of military service, educational level, occupation or trade, recent employment, use of alcohol
or drugs); previous criminal record (crime, place, date, disposition of case); information on family (names, occupations,
ages, where living); date and type of discharge (usually parole or expiration of sentence); and information on subsequent
arrests or sentences.
The "Biographical Registers" also usually contain brief physicians' reports on admission and discharge, a notation of which
trade to be taught at Elmira, and a mug shot of the inmate. These registers will also occasionally include clippings, correspondence,
or brief reports relating to criminal activity of inmates after their releases from Elmira.
Access Restrictions
Summary information on adult inmates is disclosable under law. State Archives staff will review records containing probation,
parole, medical, and juvenile criminal history data and disclose information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law and
Personal Privacy Protection Law. The identity of victims of sex crimes is not disclosable. Unless a specific law forbids disclosure
indefinitely, all records must be disclosed after 75 years.
Access Terms
Corporate Name(s):
Geographic Name(s):
Subject(s):
Genre(s):
Function(s):
Detailed Description
Dates |
Contents |
Box |
Accretion: B0141-80 |
1879-1881 |
465-999 |
1 |
1927 November 7-1928 March 21 |
34600-34899 |
100 |
1928 March 22-September 27 |
34900-35199 |
101 |
1928-1929 |
35200-35499 |
102 |
1929-1930 |
36100-36399 |
105 |
1930-1931 |
37000-37299 |
108 |
1931-1932 |
38200-38499 |
112 |
1932-1933 |
39400-39699 |
116 |
1933-1934 |
40300-40599 |
119 |
1934-1935 |
40900-41199 |
121 |
1935-1936 |
41500-41799 |
123 |
1936-1937 |
42400-42699 |
126 |
1937-1938 |
43000-43299 |
128 |
1938-1939 |
43900-44199 |
131 |
1939-1940 |
44500-44799 |
133 |
1940-1941 |
45100-45399 |
135 |
1941-1942 |
45700-45999 |
137 |
1943-1944 |
46600-46899 |
140 |
1944-1945 |
47200-47499 |
142 |
1945-1946 |
47800-48099 |
144 |
1946-1947 |
48400-48699 |
146 |
1947-1948 |
49300-49599 |
149 |
1948-1949 |
49900-50199 |
151 |
1949-1950 |
50501-50800 |
153 |
1950-1951 |
51101-51400 |
155 |
1951-1952 |
52001-52300 |
158 |
1952-1953 |
52601-52900 |
160 |
1953-1954 |
53501-53800 |
163 |
1954-1955 |
54401-54700 |
166 |
1955-1956 |
55001-55300 |
168 |
1956-1957 |
55601-55718 |
170 |