History of Berks County - Jefferson Township
The following is reproduced from the 1876 Atlas of Berks County, Pennsylvania
Jefferson township was taken from Upper Tulpehocken in 1851. Its name indicates the sturdy adherence of the inhabitants to the political doctrines of our National Independence. It is bounded on the north by Upper Tulpehocken ; on the east by Penn ; on the south by North Heidelberg; on the west by Tulpehocken. The soil is of good quality, being limestone and gravel. The surface is hilly and well watered. The township lies in close proximity to the Blue Mountain and the scenery is interesting to the traveler. The inhabitants are deeply interested in common schools, and the township is divided into six school districts.
There is one village within the limits of Jefferson, known as Shaefferstown, at the Tulpehocken Post Office. The Union canal, now rapidly falling into disuse, follows the southern borders of the township, and formerly contributed much to the business activity of the place. Jefferson, being a small township, has a population of only 1,133 inhabitants.