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 through the FamilySearch Catalog collection:
 * volumes 1-48 with title index, The American Genealogical Index
 * volumes 49-206, volumes S-1 to S-20, and many volumes of Series 2, The American genealogical-biographical index to American genealogical, biographical and local history materials
 * for help interpreting citations, see Key title index to the American genealogical-biographical index : register of Family History Library call numbers

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, include the words "AGBI Request" in the subject line and send your request to referenceinfo@godfrey.org@undefined. If possible, include a scan of your completed order form, or include all the information from the form in the body of your email. There is a nominal fee to cover the library's research time (see order form for details).

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