Descriptive Books (PA) 1826-1873

About This Collection

Descriptive book of inmates incarcerated at Western State Penitentiary. Information provided is name of inmate, county where sentenced, date sentenced, length of sentence, crime for which convicted, how often previously convicted, height, physical build, complexion, hair and eye color, age, occupation, place of birth distinguishing marks, date received, and date discharged. Images are arranged chronologically by date of entry. Indexed internally, alphabetically by surname of convict. This collection is part of the Department of Justice which administers the state correctional institutions for the Commonwealth.