JEFFERSON, a thriving post-village of Jefferson township, capital of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, on the left or E. bank of Rock river, at the mouth of the Crawfish river, 40 miles E. by S. from Madison. The valley of Rock river has a high reputation for fertility, and the banks of the river are remarkable for picturesque beauty. Jefferson has a fine water-power, and is a place of active business. It contains 2 churches, 10 stores, and 4 mills. The Rock River Valley railroad is located through this village. Population in 1853, about 1000. (Baldwin's New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States..., 1854)
JEFFERSON, P. V. and C. H., in town and county of same name, on sect. 11, is located at the junction of Crawfish and Rock rivers, near the centre of the county, and 32 miles east from Madison, on the line of R. R. V. U. R. R. This place is between the . timber and openings, and has not been properly developed on account of the poor roads from the east; they, however, have recently been much improved. The surrounding country is thickly settled, having a family upon nearly every 40 acre tract of land. These farms are just beginning to pay well, and this vicinity is destined to be one of the best farming districts of the West. There is a good water power on Rock river, and another on the Crawfish. It has 950 inhabitants, 150 dwellings, 10 stores, 2 hotels, 4 mills, 1 chair factory, 3 shoe shops, 2 churches, a courthouse and jail. (John Warren Hunt, Wisconsin Gazetteer..., Madison, 1853)