Elmira Reformatory Admission Registers

Numerical by consecutive number.

This series consists of 11 volumes of registers containing summary information on incarcerated individuals at the time of their admission to Elmira. The registers cover the period from May 24, 1877 to December 27, 1950 and consecutive numbers from 1 to 51274. There is a gap of missing registers from October 14, 1886 to December 4, 1891 covering consecutive numbers 2399 to 4973.

With very minor exceptions, the information contained in the registers is constant throughout the 11 volumes. The information consists of consecutive number; name of incarcerated individual; date of admission to Elmira; date of sentence; length of maximum sentence; crime; county of sentencing; court; judge; age; height; weight; complexion; eye color; hair color; state or country of nativity; nationality; temperate or intemperate; and religion. Volumes 1 through 4 (1877-1896) also contain information on each incarcerated individual's occupation and on any physical marks and peculiarities.

Container list.

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.