Elmira Reformatory Biographical Register of Federally Incarcerated Individuals

Numerical by consecutive number.

This series consists of a two-volume register containing information relating to incarcerated individuals sent to Elmira from federal courts. Unlike those who were incarcerated by the State, these individuals were not eligible for parole, so they were given a definite sentence. The information in the registers covers the span of their lives at Elmira from admission to release.

The information contained in the registers includes: consecutive number; name; date received; country of birth; age; names and addresses of parents and siblings; maximum sentence; dates when maximum and minimum sentences expire; family history (insanity or epilepsy, dissipation, educational level, occupation of father and mother); previous history (environment and habits, education, employment, associations, family, religion, criminal history); physician's report at admission; outline of treatment (i.e., trade to be learned at Elmira); remarks (usually a note indicating a promotion or reduction in grade); mug shots; physical condition at discharge (rarely completed); and date of discharge.

Most of the incarcerated individuals included in the registers were convicted under various federal statutes relating to the U.S. Mail and post offices. Some were convicted under the following federal statutes: Mann Act, 1910 (36 Stat. 825) relating to the interstate transport of females for immoral purposes ("white slavery"); act of 1913 (37 Stat. 670) relating to stealing and receiving goods involved in interstate commerce; Harrison Act, 1914 (38 Stat. 785) relating to interstate narcotics trafficking; and National Motor Vehicle Theft Act, 1919 (41 Stat. 324).

Summary information on adult incarcerated individuals 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.