The Oley Valley, Berks County, is located in the south east corner of Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles west of Philadelphia. The Oley Valley is among the most unique and picturesque regions in the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The Valley is formed by the gentle rise of the Oley Hills and is dissected by the gently flowing Manatawny and Pine Creeks. Oley is home to some of the most significant 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania German farms to be found anywhere in the Commonwealth. Settled in the 1720s, many of the Valley's current residents are descended from families who have been here for centuries. The Oley Valley is the birthplace of Daniel Boone, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in Pennsylvania. Explore the historic inns, back country roads, and small shops and farm stands on your visit. The valley as I define it, includes Amity, Earl, Exeter and Oley Townships of Berks County, with Oley Township being the heart of the valley. Pieces of all the surrounding townships are also included, it is after all the hills of Alsace, Douglass, Pike, Rockland, and Ruscombmanor Townships, which define the valley. While my immediate ancestors lived briefly in the valley and at the northern edge of the valley in Pricetown, the ancestors of the wife are still in Oley Township. As I pursued my ancestors I find myself working with many of the Oley Valley pioneer families. So I include here what I have included in my database of these early Oley Valley Ancestors, as well as a few immediate families of my side. Note I have not tracked many of the colateral ancestors to present time, I leave that task to those immediate family members.

More recently I've discovered the Oley Valley as one of the premier locations to ride a bicycle. Rolling hills, well maintained roads, low traffic and outstanding scenery dotted with many 18th and 19th century farm houses. So I will use this page to link into my cycling adventures, and as time permits anything else related I can think of.

Oley Valley Ancestors

Oley Valley Photos

Oley Valley Cycling Group