The Backgrounds of Early Dayton History
by Professor W. B. Werthner Copyright 1928
A paper read by Professor Werthner before the Dayton Torch Club on November 13, 1928 
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library

A Boy's Impression of Dayton 64 Years Ago
by Michael Ohmer Copyright 1901
An exact copy of Ohmer's diary, in which he describes Dayton as it was in 1840
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library

A Brief History of the Settlement of the Town of Dayton
by John W. Van Cleve Copyright 1838
An explanation on how the first settlers of Dayton nearly lost their land. First published in Journal of the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio in 1838.
Text taken from 1872 reprint which is available at the University of Dayton

Early Dayton
by Robert W. Steele and Mary Davies Steele Published 1896
Important facts and incidents from the founding of the city of Dayton to the 100th Anniversary spanning the years 1796 to 1896
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library
Transcribed by Dayton History Books volunteer Christine Ricciardo

An Essay on the Future Progress and Prospects of Dayton
by Simon Snyder Copyright 1853
A short study of how Dayton planned to become one of the most important cities in the world
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Barbara K. Fissell
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library

The Folks on Hole's Creek and Why We Joined Them
by A. A. Thomas Copyright 1915
A short history of Dayton and Oakwood. Includes information on John and Zacharia Hole
Text taken from original copy owned by Harry Seifert and reproduced here with his permission 

Guide to the Central National Soldiers' Home for Visitors and Citizens: with Sketches of Dayton
by The Guide Publishing Company Copyright 1891
Descriptions of the Soldiers' Home (now the VA Center) and other historical aspects of Dayton as well
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library

Historical Collctions of Ohio - Montgomery County section
by Henry Howe Copyright 1891
Henry Howe wrote a three volume set on the history of Ohio.  The section on Montgomery County from  Volume Two, pages 537 to 570, is reproduced here. 
Copy available at Dayton Metro Library
Transcribed by Dayton History Books volunteer Barbara D. Harney

History of Dayton, Ohio
by Harvey W. Crew Copyright 1889
One of the best books written about Dayton that touches on many aspects of the city's history
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library

An Outline of the History of Dayton 1796-1896
by Robert W. Steele, Mary Davis Steele and others Copyright 1896
A souvenir booklet containing a brief history of Dayton, given to teachers and pupils to celebrate the city's 100th birthday
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library

Pioneer Life in Dayton and Vicinity: 1796-1840
by John F. Edgar Copyright 1896
One of the most important reference books on Dayton's early history
Copy available at Dayton Metro Library

Reed's Illustrated History of Montgomery County
by H. S. Reed Copyright 1880
Includes histories of the county's townships and important business interests at the time
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library