Biographies » General Resources

American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1940

These life histories were written by the staff of the Folklore Project of the Federal Writers' Project for the U.S. Works Progress (later Work Projects) Administration (WPA) from 1936-1940. The Library of Congress collection includes 2,900 documents representing the work of over 300 writers from 24 states..

Ancestry.com - American Genealogical-Biographical Index

Searchable indexes; database results and some digitized images available with fee-based subscription. Original source: Godfrey Memorial Library. American Genealogical-Biographical Index. Middletown, CT, USA: Godfrey Memorial Library.

Ancestry.com - Biography & Genealogy Master Index (BGMI)

Searchable indexes; database results and some digitized images available with fee-based subscription. Original source: Gale Research Company. Biography and Genealogy Master Index. Detroit, MI, USA: Gale Research Company, 2005.

Beyond the Index-Michael John Neill-Your Ancestor's Biography

This article discusses some ways to write biographies of your ancestors.

Biographical Dictionary

Covers more than 19,000 notable men and women.

Biographical Wiki

A place for individuals to post biographies of their ancestors and to contribute or edit biographies of common ancestors.

biographie-center.com

Biographies of American Architects, 1897-1947

Biographical material culled from obituaries originally published in American Art Annual.

Biography Analysis

This article discusses how to analyze an old biography to obtain as much information as possible and determine what additional records need to be searched. From the Ancestry Daily News by Michael John Neill.

Biography.com

A biographical database from the makers of the A&E Biography series.

Book of Me, Written By You

The Book of Me, Written by You is a weekly themed and yet varied set of prompts. Written and Developed by Julie Goucher in 2012 the prompts are released weekly and of an opportunity of self exploration - a gathering of memories for future generations. You can join the Book of Me any time. Please check the website for details.

Celebrate A Life.com

Dedicated to capturing and preserving the stories of people's lives.

Center for Autobiographic Studies

A non-profit organization dedicated to the creation and preservation of autobiographic works.

Colonial Hall: Biographies of America's Founding Fathers

Congressional Biographical Directory

Biographical directory of the United States Congress 1774 to present.

Distinguished Women of Past and Present

FamilySearch Wiki - United States Biography

Nationwide American biographical indexes, compiled biographies, national, regional, and local sources.

FemBio

Online searchable database of Luise F. Pusch's database Notable Women International.

Genbios - Biographies Online

Find online biographies.
[The original link is broken. This link points to an archived copy on the Wayback Machine]

GenealogyMagazine.com - Biographies

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, publishing companies sent representatives across America to compile local histories and interview area residents. To finance the printing, representatives sold prepublication copies. These volumes are sometimes called mug books. Those wanting to see their biography in print had to purchase the book in advance. Aside from the flattery adorning these biographies, mug books are often valuable sources for the genealogist.