(This page's most recent update is May 2025)
Another type of genealogy record that provides tremendous value is criminal records. Some of our ancestors unfortunately got in trouble with the law. And records were kept from arrests through court cases to prison documents. Now, more and more of these records are being digitized or transcribed and are being made available online.
Types of Records
- Criminal court proceedings
- Police reports
- Prison and jail admission registers
- Arrest records
- Mug books
- Pardon and discharge information
- Hospital record books
- Workhouse records
Types of Information
- Name
- Age
- Birth date
- Height
- Weight
- Complexion
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Education
- Habits (alcohol use)
- Relations (parents living)
- Date incarcerated
- Court where charged
- Recommitments
- How and when discharged
Note: Some links listed take you to a FamilySearch Collection of digital images. Near the bottom of the page under Film/Digital Notes is the name of each sub-collection. If there is a camera icon at the right of the name (in the Format column) then the collections’ images are browsable. If there is a camera with a key icon, it is only available at a Family History Center or affiliated library. If there is a film reel icon, then it is only available in microfilm format, not digital. To take full advantage make sure that you are logged in to FamilySearch. The results may be different if you are signed in, rather than not.
Listed below are links to criminal records that are available for free online for the district; the first list is for multi-state collections:
Vermont Criminal Records
United States
- Before the Needles, Executions in America Database
- Death Penalty USA, Executions 1607-1976 (by state)
- Federal Bureau of Prisons, Inmate Search 1982-
- Freedmen’s Bureau Records Relating to Murders and Outrages
Vermont
- Executions in Vermont
- List of Convicts from the Vermont State Prison, 1860-1869
- List of Convicts from the Vermont State Prison, 1870-1879
- List of Convicts from the Vermont State Prison, 1880-1889
- List of Convicts from the Vermont State Prison, 1890-1899
- List of Convicts from the Vermont State Prison, 1900-1930
- Vermont State Prison, 1930 Index of Prisoners
- Vermont, World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, Prisoners, Insane, In Hospitals, 1917-1918
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!