How difficult is it to get records for Prisons from about the 1920's?
Where would I go to send for the records?
There are card files and records at the State of Michigan Archives
for prisoners from Michigan state institutions. Following is a extract
from Circular No. 3, "Correctional Facilities" available from State
Archives of Michigan, 717 W. Allegan, Lansing MI 48918, (517) 373-1408:
"Records from the three major correctional facilities of
Michigan (Ionia, Jackson, and Marquette) can provide a
wealth of information for anyone seeking specific details
concerning inmates serving prison sentences. The information
contained in these records is unclassified and open to the
public. Records relating to youthful offenders are closed
(see circular No. 8). Comprehensive card indexes to all
adults and juveniles serving time in State facilities are
available in the reading room of the Archives. This includes
training schools and penitentiaries."
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
(GENERAL)
"RG 83-86 Prisoner index card catalog dated ca. 1839-1980.
Offers the names of prisoners serving in
Michigan's correctional institutions providing
length of sentences, dates of sentence,
registration or identification number, and
counties where crimes occurred. Includes any
escape attempts as well as parole or discharge
dates. A few index cards include photographs of
inmates. Arranged alphabetically by prisoner name
(series 1)."
(MARQUETTE BRANCH PRISONS)
"RG 76-97 Inmate record books dated 1889-1925. Lists
prisoner's name and alias, number, date of
entrance to prison, county of conviction and date
of sentence, term, nature of crime, measurements,
physical description, age, remarks, and in most
instances photographs. Arranged numerically
(series 1).
RG 82-112 Record of convicts dated 1922-1937. Ledger format
lists prisoner number, name, term of sentence,
county or court, sentence and receipt dates, date
of discharge, and crime. Arranged numerically
(series 1).
Description of prisoners dated 1927-1938. Includes
photographs, name, crime, general description,
relatives, physical markings, Bertillion
measurements, number of children, years in school,
personal habits (i.e., drinking or smoking), plus
discharge and transfer information. Arranged
numerically (series 2).
RG 87-138 Prisoner registers dated ca. 1937-1957. Offers
name, identification number, county where
prisoner was born, date of birth, date of
transfer, aliases, length of sentence, crime
committed as well as any ownership of real
estate. Arranged numerically by prisoner number
(series 1)."
(STATE PRISON OF SOUTHERN MICHIGAN AT JACKSON)
"RG 56-27 Convict identifications dated 1875-1884. Offers
name, identification number, age, nativity,
charge, and sentence. Arranged chronologically
(series 16).
RG 64-50 Record of commitment dated 1839-1937. Offers
number, name, age, term, date received,
occupation, offense, date of sentence, county,
physical description, detention record, date of
discharge, and remarks about parole, return,
transfer and discharge. Arranged as received
(series 7).
Record of prisoners dated 1900-1926. Offers
inmate's number, name, county of residence, dates
received, sentenced, escaped, returned,
transferred, dead, pardoned, and discharged. Gives
physical description, offense, summary of
convictions as well as use of tobacco. Photographs
prisoners are included. Arranged numerically
(series 10).
Indexes to convict registers, cat 1875-1960.
Offers number and name of prisoner. Arranged
alphabetically (series 11).
RG 77-7 Record of inmates dated 1925-1926. Offers inmate's
name, number, term of sentence, birth place, race,
educational level, parent's name, employment
history, previous criminal record, and military
service. Arranged chronologically (series 1)."
"DUE TO THE DIFFICULTY OF RESEARCH, ANYONE WISHING TO GAIN
ACCESS TO RECORDS CONCERNING INMATES OR PRISONERS SHOULD
COME INTO THE ARCHIVES AFTER CALLING TO CONFIRM SERVICE HOURS."
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