Welcome to your guide to the genealogy resources and services at the Dayton Metro Library. The Genealogy Collection is located in the Lower Level of the Main Library. The book collection is arranged on the shelves by state and by county within the state for the convenience of the genealogy researcher. Librarians are available at the Magazine Reference Desk to help locate materials in the Genealogy area. As with all such specialized research, it is always wise to call before you visit if you wish to consult the genealogy librarian or to request special manuscripts and documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have birth, marriage, or death records?

What the library has are microfilm copies of the Montgomery County or City of Dayton official ledgers and indexes for limited, specific years. If we have the information for the time period the person is requesting, we will gladly print out copies and have them ready for a patron, mail, or fax them.

In general, we have copies of birth records from 1867-1908 , marriage records from 1827-1910, and death records from 1867-1908. These are unofficial documents. For later time periods and for official copies the patron can write to the county government. Copy charges apply.

Can you mail me an obituary?

Where do I get veteran records?

The library has some books listing participants in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, and other conflicts, but does not have original records. There are also some database listings through our Ancestry and Heritage Quest subscriptions. In general, veteran records include 1) enlistment records 2) service records, and 3) pension records. These records are kept by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The researcher needs to fill out form 85 (pension) and form 86 (military service records) for records before World War I, or form 180 for records World War I and after. There is a charge to obtain copies. For more information click here. The Montgomery County Recorder’s office maintains a list of veteran grave sites. See their web site click here.

Who can help me with genealogy?

One staff member is specifically trained to assist patrons in genealogy research and handles all e-mail and print correspondence. E-mail correspondence can be addressed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or a voice mail message can be left at the main library at 937-496-8653. To speak with a staff member in the genealogy department call 937-496-8652.

A number of other staff members are also quite knowledgeable about the resources the library owns. Staff can show patrons books and CD-ROM indexes. Websites and bulletin board links are under “subject guides” on the library’s web site. The library also recommends that researchers work with the Montgomery County Genealogical Society which meets at the main library monthly. Staff at the magazine reference desk can provide patrons with a list of researchers who can help with Montgomery County genealogy for a fee.

How much do copies cost?

Will the genealogy librarian help me via a letter or e-mail?

How much research will the genealogy librarian do for me?

The genealogy librarian can show patrons how to use the library’s resources so they can continue researching on their own. For patrons not able to come to the library, she can research one or two specific questions at a time. If leaving messages, e-mail or mail inquiries, patrons should be as specific as possible about what type of information is in question (birth date, death date, marriage date, names of parents, etc.) with name variations, date ranges and location ranges.

For example – a request could be “Would you help me figure out the birth date of Jacob Johnson, born in Montgomery County some time in the 1860’s?” or “Would you help me find the marriage record of Margaret or Peggy Smith and Robert Jones who were married some time in the 1890’s?” or “Was my relative from Bremen naturalized in Montgomery County?”.