The first recorded settlers arrived in present-day Jefferson County in 1783.  Those who established homesteads were men renowned in the early history of Tennessee.  Early pioneers include

It is likely that some early families, including the Burchfiels and Russells, were living in the Cherokee territory south of the French Broad River at the time the first settlers arrived in present-day Jefferson County.  No records have been found to substantiate their arrival in the county.