Jefferson, most famous as the third president of the United States and as the author of the Declaration of Independence, also served as George Washington's first secretary of state. As the nominal director of the 1790 census, Jefferson certified the combined local results reported by each marshal. He also shared President Washington's concern that the first census had significantly undercounted the population, perhaps by several hundred thousand residents.

Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia, then part of Goochland County, in 1743. He attended the College of William and Mary, graduating in two years and joining the Virginia bar shortly after. Jefferson provided, with his Declaration of Independence, the theoretical underpinnings of the American Revolution. Before his tour as secretary of state, he also served as a state legislator, governor of Virginia and as minister to France. After his time at the State Department, Jefferson was elected vice president of the United States in 1796. In 1800, he was elected president, serving two terms in office. After his presidency, Jefferson devoted himself to founding and leading the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 at his Monticello estate in Charlottesville, Virginia.