Jefferson. — This township was organized in 1809, and called Jefferson, after Thomas Jefferson, one of the earlier Presidents of the United States. This is the northwest township of Preble, and its western limits are watered by the East Fork of Whitewater, which, at an early day afforded the settlers considerable milling power. The lands are productive and well cultivated. The inhabitants are moral, and are amply provided with churches and school houses. This part of the county was occupied as early as 1806, by a few venturesome pioneers from Kentucky. It was then a frontier settlement, and on that account considerably exposed to hostile invasion by the Indians. But these few pioneer settlers, who had come with the gospel in one hand and the rifle in the other, were soon surrounded by neighbors.

Within the township of Jefferson there are several towns of importance, such as New Paris, Gettysburg and Brinley's Station. New Paris was so named from Paris, Kentucky. The term "New" was prefixed to show its significance in point of date. Gettysburg was named after a town in Pennsylvania of that name; and Brinley's Station is a point on the Dayton and Western Railroad, and the Central Indiana, or Pan-Handle R. R,, runs through the northwestern limits of the township.

The original settlers of Jefferson, as has been stated, were principally from Kentucky; and among them, were the Purviances, Irelands, Flemings, Morrisons and the Mitchells. Many of their descendants still live in that locality. With these early settlers came Rev. David Purviance, then in the prime of life, and a gifted scholar and preacher. Like the Rev. Alexander Porter, of Israel, this minister of the gospel impressed his religious sentiments upon the people of the township, which was "like bread cast upon the waters, to be seen many days after." The results of his early teachings are still visible in that community.