American Genealogical Biographical Index - AGBI

The American Genealogical Biographical Index (AGBI) is one of the most important printed genealogical sources in the United States. Also known as "Rider's Index," it is an every-name index (excluding authors and witnesses) to over 800 printed genealogies and other compiled sources housed at the Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, Connecticut. The collection spans more than 100,000 pages and 200 printed volumes.

A digital version of each volume is available in the FamilySearch Catalog collection titled “The American Genealogical Index.”

Each entry of AGBI has the following parts:


 * Surname
 * First names
 * Birth year
 * State of residence
 * Biographical data
 * Citation

All sources cited within AGBI are housed at Godfrey Memorial Library. Patrons can access these cited sources by making an AGBI search request. Submitted names are searched and photocopies of the pages on which they appear are made by the library's staff or volunteers. The AGBI Order Form is available at the library's web site. To make a request by email, send your request to library@godfrey.org and include the words "AGBI Request" in the subject line.

Additional Online Resources
Brigham Young University (BYU) has created a helpful online list of AGBI references that includes corresponding Harold B. Lee Library call numbers and Family History Library microfilm numbers. The list also provides links to digital versions of each book when available. To access the list click here.