Iceland Biography

Iceland

Biographies (Ættfræðingatal)
Research use: These records simplify the research process and provide supplemental genealogical information. They are a valuable source of vital information (birth, marriage, and death dates and places) and provide generation linkage information.

Record type: These are collections of personal histories. There are several significant sets including:  Biographies of Pastors 1000-1930 (Prestaæfir),  Register of Members of Parliament 1845-1945 (Alþingismannatal),  Biographies and Genealogies of County Magistrates 1262-1915 (Sýslumannaæfir),  Lives of Learned Men 1400-1800 (Æfir Lærdra Manna).

Time period: 1000 to 1945.

Contents: Prestaæfir – Names of pastors, dates and places of birth, marriage and death, parentage; names of spouses and children, sometimes their dates of birth, marriage and death, schooling, appointments; some include multi-generational genealogies. AlÞingismannatal – Names of members, dates and places of birth, education, appointments, occupations, residence, dates of marriage and names of spouses; names of parents and their dates of death. Sýslumannaæfir – Names of county [sýsla] magistrates, sometimes their dates of birth; parentage; spouse, names of children, their spouse and offspring; residences, occupations, dates of death; some include multi-generational genealogies. Æfir Lærdra Manna – Biographical sketches of men of prominence, their names, dates and places of birth, occupations, residences, parentage and sometimes ancestry for several generations; marriage dates, spouse, children; dates of death.

Location: National Archives.

Percentage in Family History Library: 100% of the collections at the National Archives.

Population coverage: Less than 3%.

Reliability: Good.

Accessibility: These records are accessible on microfilm through the Family History Library. They are also accessible through a local professional researcher or through on-site research.