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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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