Elmira Reformatory Biographical Registers and Receiving Blotters

Numerical by consecutive number (essentially a chronological arrangement by date of admission).

These registers contain a two-page summary of information on each incarcerated individual 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."

Most of the information was recorded at the time of admission to Elmira, with only minor notations relating to 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 consecutive number, including consecutive 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 incarcerated individual. These registers will also occasionally include clippings, correspondence, or brief reports relating to criminal activity of incarcerated individuals after their releases from Elmira.

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.