Discharge Descriptive Dockets (PA) 1873-1934

About This Collection

Descriptive discharge dockets for inmates released from the Eastern State Penitentiary. Information provided name of prisoner, prisoner number, weight, age at time of discharge, gender, crime of which convicted, sentence imposed, date of sentencing, date of discharge, method of discharge, duration incarcerated, occupation practiced, education received while incarcerated, intended place of residence after release, and amount of money received upon discharge. From 1892, the name of the county responsible for sending the inmate to the penitentiary is given and also occasionally the date the prisoner may have been returned to custody. Sometimes noted is the amount of property owned by the inmate and the inmate’s weight at time received and when discharged. Images are arranged chronologically by date of discharge. This collection is part of the Department of Justice which administers the state correctional institutions for the Commonwealth.