Elam Lynds | |
|---|---|
 Lynds circa 1840-1850 | |
| Warden of Auburn Correctional Facility | |
| In office 1821–1825 | |
| Warden of Sing Sing | |
| In office 1825–1830 | |
| Succeeded by | Robert Wiltse |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1784 Litchfield, Connecticut |
| Died | 1855 (age 71) New York City |
| Children | Cornelia Lynds DeForest |
Captain Elam Lynds (1784–1855) was a prison warden and was known for his carceral innovations, such as producing goods for sale outside of prisons for profit, instituting absolute silence among prisoners at all times, and solitary confinement of prisoners at night, and for his cruelty as a warden.[1] He helped create the Auburn system, which consisted of congregate labor during the day and isolation at night, starting in 1821 and was Warden of Sing Sing from 1825 to 1830.[2]
- ^ Bernstein, Robin (2024). Freeman's Challenge: The Murder That Shook America's Original Prison for Profit. The University of Chicago Press. p. 16-18.
- ^ Annual report of the Board of Managers of the Prison Discipline Society. Prison Discipline Society. 1827.
Mr. Elam Lynds, the author of the Auburn system, and the founder of the establishment at Sing Sing ...