Clinton Prison Alphabetical Register of Inmates

Alphabetic by first letter of inmate's last name, then numeric by inmate number.

Registers provide summary background information on each inmate.

Two volumes of similar format, one called the "Guard Room Register," are a register of convicts. Each entry gives: inmate name and number; company and cell number; date received; county where convicted; name of judge; crime for which convicted; and "short term" (minimum sentence or eligibility for parole). In the margin is stamped "discharged" or "paroled" for many inmates. Dates of reception range from 1860 to 1907. The third volume, labelled "Cell Book" is a later alphabetical register of prisoners in a loose leaf volume, compiled ca. 1910 or later. Each entry gives inmate number and name, grade (A, B, C), age, color, company and cell number, occupation, and notes on discharge and parole if any. The book contains no dates; the inmate numbers range from 2856 to 20461. The statutory origin for this record is uncertain. The registers were probably kept for internal purposes as an aid for locating prisoners, since no dates are included.

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.