Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Dayton National Cemetery
Dayton National Cemetery, located in Montgomery County, Ohio, was established as the permanent burial site for residents of the Central Branch of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in 1867. It is one of 11 federal cemeteries affiliated with the system of National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Management of these facilities was transferred from the U.S. Army/National Home system to the newly created Veterans Administration in 1930.
The design of the cemetery is attributed to Chaplain (and Capt.) William B. Earnshaw, who was considered to have "judgment and taste" in these matters. Earnshaw served in the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Cumberland, from which he was named superintendent at Stones River and Nashville National Cemeteries. In September 1867, Earnshaw arrived at the Dayton Soldiers Home, as it became known, having been encouraged to seek the position by Gen. George Thomas.
The Soldiers Home cemeteries were to be "laid out and cared for, as far as practicable, in the manner prescribed for National Cemeteries." The single-most visual cemetery construction is the lofty Soldiers' Monument around which faceted, concentric rows of graves are arranged. Two features found here are common to many older national cemeteries. There are two ornamental 19th-century cannons located at the base of Soldiers' Monument, and seven "Bivouac of the Dead" verse tablets.
When a death occurred here or a deceased veteran was delivered to the facility, the hospital's Council of Administration was notified and steps taken to protect the man's person and belongings prior to his removal to the morgue. A tunnel connecting the hospital and cemetery was built in 1870. Among the permanent improvements to the home in 1887 was the completion of a "new receiving vault" connected with the hospital, which was a "very great convenience to the institution." Furthermore, every resident was to be buried in a "clean suit of the Home uniform."
Standardized products were used in burials. "Class I" items used at the homes included standard-manufacture "coffin-lowering devices." Burial caskets were "to be made of good quality, well seasoned, soft lumber; to be covered with crapine, craponette or other suitable casket cloth of similar, inexpensive grade; to be lined inside with a good quality of bleached muslin, and to be provided with the usual trimmings of white metal; dimensions to be specified." In addition, according to National Home regulations, funerals were "conducted in accordance with military usage, the honors prescribed by the U.S. Army," including an officiating chaplain. It was also mandatory for "a band of the branch [to] attend all funerals, unless the weather is too inclement."
Between 1867 and the late 1880s, annual deaths in the Central Branch crept from six up to 847, a number that, according to Harper's magazine, was "remarkably low, considering the age and debility of the subjects." Annual deaths at Dayton by the end of the 19th century topped out at nearly 1,400. Between 1900 and 1930 (the year the Veterans Administration took over management), veteran deaths peaked between 1907 and 1918 (ranging from 2,331 to 2,352), with the highest single-year mortality in 1916 with 2,583 deaths. By this time, the small number of War of 1812 and Mexican War veterans had long since passed away. The youngest Civil War veterans were approaching their late sixties, and younger Spanish-American and World War I veterans would have taken up residency.
Monuments and Memorials The Dayton Soldiers' Monument dominates the national cemetery from atop a mound at the center of the landscape. The cornerstone was laid in 1873, and it was completed in 1877. This dramatic structure is composed of a 30-foot marble column on a granite base with an ornamental cap and soldier posed at parade rest. The column was one of six that were salvaged from the Benjamin Henry Latrobe-designed Bank of Philadelphia when it was demolished in 1867–1868. Latrobe worked on the White House and U.S. Capitol, and is credited with introducing Greek Revival architecture to America. The monument was designed by veterans at the soldiers' home and the Philadelphia-firm of William Struthers and Sons, expert stonemasons, carved the base, capital and statue. President Rutherford B. Hayes, Ohioan and former Union general, delivered the dedication address for the monument on September 12, 1877, to a crowd of about 22,000. Some years after the dedication, four figures representing the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery and Navy were added at the corners of the base. Two ornamental artillery cannons now flank the Soldiers' Monument.
The "Memorial to 33 soldiers of the War of 1812 Buried in this Cemetery..." is a bronze plaque affixed to a tall boulder. The text continues: "Honoring Josephine C. Diefenbach state president 1915–1932. Erected by the Ohio Society United States Daughters of 1812 on the anniversary of Perry's Victory – September 10, 1936."
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Dayton National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Lieutenant Henry W.
Downs (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company I, 8th Vermont Infantry, for actions at Winchester, VA, September 19, 1864. Downs died in 1911 and is buried in Section Q, Row 7, Site 24.
Private Oscar Wadsworth Field (Spanish-American War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions on board the USS Nashville in Cuba, May 11, 1898. Field died in 1912 and is buried in Section O-Q, Row A, Site 9.
Sergeant George Geiger (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at the Little Big Horn River, Montana Territory, on June 25, 1876. Geiger died in 1904 and is buried in Section N, Row 20, Site 47.
Seaman John H.
James (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the USS Richmond during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, August 5, 1864. James died in 1914 and is buried in Section 1, Row 19, Site 58.
Private Charles A.
Taggart (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company B, 37th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, for actions at Sailor's Creek, Virginia, on April 6, 1865. Taggart died in 1938 and is buried in Section R, Row 9, Site 14.
Other Burials Emma Lloyd was born in 1828 and married Joseph Miller by the early 1850s.
They lived in Pennsylvania and Illinois before settling in Ohio with their three young children. When the Civil War began, Miller enlisted in the Army and served in Regiment 93, Company B of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died ca. 1862. Emma Miller became active in Ohio's chapters of the United States Sanitary Commission, the relief agency established for the sick and wounded. She cared for disabled soldiers at Camp Chase, and oversaw the Ohio Soldiers Home in 1865. Two years later, Miller became the first matron of the hospital at the Central Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1895 she was appointed Superintendent of the Central Branch Depot. She died January 18, 1914, and was buried with full military honors (CIV, Row 3, Site 2).
Christian Null (Revolutionary War).
Null (1770–1832) was born in Rockingham County, VA. Family lore has it that after the death of his older brother Jacob, young Christian decided to take up his mantle and fight for the patriot cause. In 1782, Null enlisted in Captain David McQueen's Lancaster County militia company. This earned him Land Bounty Rights, although his commander, Colonel Henry Ludington, paid cash for his plot of bounty land. After the war he married and fathered twelve children. In 1798, he built a log cabin near Springboro, OH, that still stands today. After he passed away, Christian was interred in Eyer Cemetery in Warren County, OH before being moved to Dayton National Cemetery on March 29, 1989. He now rests in Section E, Row 1, Site 5.
Governors of the National Home Marsena Rudoph Patrick, Major General, U.S.
Army, served during the Florida War, Mexican War, and Civil War. Fourth Governor of the National Home, Central Branch, from September 23, 1880 to July 27, 1888. (Civilian Section, Row 2, Site 1)
Jerome Beers Thomas, Colonel, U.S.
Army, served during the Civil War. Fifth Governor of the National Home, Central Branch, from November 17, 1888 to March 5, 1907. (Civilian Section, Row 2, Site 2)
Irwin M.
Anderson, Private, U.S. Army, served during the Civil War. Father of author Sherwood Anderson.
Section 2, Row 2, Site 15
Eligibility for burial at Dayton National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
Dayton National Cemetery is located in the far western edge of the city of Dayton.
From Dayton International Airport and West: Take Interstate 70 East to Interstate 75 South to U.S. Route 35 West. Exit US 35 at Gettysburg Avenue. Turn right on Gettysburg and travel to the first stop light. Turn left on Third Street. Go to the 2nd traffic light and turn left into the cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Natural, fresh-cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year and will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations. Plastic floral cones are available for use and are located in containers throughout the cemetery.
Artificial flowers are permitted on graves only from October 10 through April 15. Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves from December 1 through January 20.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Dayton National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Dayton National Cemetery Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Dayton National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Evergreen Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Southgate, KY (48 mi · closed)
- Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery — Columbus, OH (64 mi · closed)
- Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - North — Williamstown, KY (80 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Dayton National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Glickler Funeral Home & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 1849 Salem Avenue in Dayton, OH. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $895. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.6-star Google rating across 173 reviews.
Church Funerals Direct, Inc is a premier funeral home located at 1501 East 3Rd Street in Dayton, OH. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home care centers and network of churches. Professional offerings include full service funerals, traditional funerals, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,000, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian.
Tobias Funeral Home - Belmont Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 648 Watervliet Avenue in Dayton, OH. The property features well-appointed spaces including on_site_chapel, viewing_rooms, and reception_space. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and pre_planning_services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,445. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,480, while direct cremation is available from $1,495. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 62 reviews.
Routsong Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2100 East Stroop Road in Kettering, OH. The property features well-appointed spaces including kettering chapel, centerville location, and viewing room. Professional offerings include pet services, pre-planning, and traditional service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,350. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,450, while direct cremation is available from $3,350. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and Orthodox Christian.
Tobias Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. in Beavercreek, OH. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and catered events. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,770. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,480, while direct cremation is available from $1,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish and Multicultural.
Kindred Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 400 Union Boulevard in Englewood, OH. The property features well-appointed spaces including columbarium. Professional offerings include service options, personalization, and pet services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,385. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,865, while direct cremation is available from $2,385.
Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home is a premier funeral home located at 92 West Franklin St. in Bellbrook, OH. The property features well-appointed spaces including 225 seat chapel, 10,000 sq. ft facility, and 5 staterooms. Professional offerings include funeral arrangements, cremation, and cemetery plans, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,085. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,085. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 73 reviews.
Frings & Bayliff Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 327 West Main Street in Tipp City, OH. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.