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The settlement in Fairfield Township was first made by John Walker, who came from Pennsylvania in 1852, and opened up the farm now owned by Henry Geesman, and built a small frame house, into which he moved in the Spring of 1853. Although this was the first settlement on the prairie, there had long been inhabitants along the edge of the timber, among whom were Benjamin Green, who still resides in this vicinity, William Denney (who died in 1877), with his father who settled in 1843; in the same year came Harvey Parr, Calvin Parr, James Parr, of whom the latter is dead; William Parr, since deceased, and his sons, of whom John resides in Louden; Jesse Bradshaw, deceased, with his sons and daughter, Mr. Rone, deceased, his son Samuel, deceased, and daughters, now Mrs. Barlien and Mrs. Clayton; Corry Hoskins, and John S. Mardis, who settled here in the Spring of 1853.

         Mr. Walker sold his farm some years since to Mr. Geesman, and moved to Louden, where he now resides. When the Lyons Iowa Central Railroad was surveyed, Mr. Walker erected a large house on his farm, near the line surveyed, as a hotel, and laid out a village, which was named Carlisle, after Carlisle, Penn. Soon after, he induced Mr. Bridger to open a small store there, and John Barinsky established a blacksmith shop.

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         The post office had been kept at the house of Alvin Thayer, and called “Rosette,” after Nathan Allen was Postmaster. At the time the village was established, the office was moved north, to the house of Abraham Appler, and to Mr. Bridger’s store, when it was opened, although the name “Rosette” was retained. The office was supplied from Tipton. Cyrus Pritchard was the next Postmaster; then William Stephens, under whom the office was discontinued.

         A branch railroad from Carlisle to Cedar Rapids was contemplated, and the former village promised to become a town of some size. Lots were sold, and a carpenter settled there, but, like Goldsmith’s “Deserted Village”—

“_____now the sounds of population fail,
No busy murmurs fluctuate the gale,
No busy steps the grass-grown footway tread,
But all the blooming flush of life is fled.
* * *
Our only Master grasps the whole domain,
And half a tillage stints the smiling plain.”

         In April, 1853, Mr. Geiger entered his present farm and moved to it in October of that year. Being single, he boarded with Mr. Walker, and taught school in a log house on Henry Conrad’s farm, which he rented, and into which he moved the next Spring.

         In June, 1853, Adam Lichtenwalter entered his farm, and built there in the Fall of that year, with his family, including his sons Abraham, John, William Emanuel, Samuel and Solomon, all of whom are yet living in this county.

         January, 1854, John Tivis became the fourth settler, with his family, on the prairie, on the land where he now lives. Mr. Tivis built a double log house, each part being 16 feet square. In the same year, George Garner and the two John Hechts (Sr. and Jr.), came and moved in with Mr. Tivis. They soon after settled on their respective farms. In the near vicinity, Henry Wharton settled in 1853; also, Alvin Thayer, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Cushman.

         School had been taught before that of Mr. Geiger, by James Huff. In 1855, a frame school house was erected near where the church now stands, and was first taught by Jacob Geiger. In 1867, this building was moved half a mile southwest, and a new one built southeast, on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of Section 21. This is now taught by W. G. Geiger.

         The first religious services were held in the house rented for school purposes by Mr. Geiger, by a Protestant Methodist preacher. Rev. Mr. Bolton afterward held services in Mr. Tivis’ house, and Sabbath school was held in Mr. Lichtenwalter’s house, where, also Elder Martin Baker preached occasionally. The first organization was effected about 1855 by the Church of God denomination, in the former residence of John Hecht, by Daniel Wertz, preacher. John Walker, Messrs. Hecht, Garner and Schlagenhaupt were among the first members. Rev. Wertz was followed by Revs. Logan, Murray, Joseph Kepford, John Hickernel and others, of whom the last named officiated during the erection of the church. Succeeding him, were Revs. Holmes, Wilson, Charles Evans, Boucher, Wilson, Miller, the present Pastor, and others.

         The United Brethren church was organized at a very early day, Martin G. Miller being their first Pastor. He preached in Adam Lichtenwalter’s house. Following him, were Revs. Newman, C. F. Bowers, Kauffman, Snyder, Crowell, Sutton, J. H. Albert, Roberts, the present Pastor, and others.

         In 1868, the two denominations built a Union church on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of Section 20. Services are held alternately, and a Union Sabbath school is in operation.

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         The Lutheran Church was organized June 15, 1867, at the school house, by Rev. D. S. Altman. In 1868, under the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Huber, a church was erected, at a cost of $2,000, on the southwest corner of Section 17. The first Elders were Jacob Stockslager and Jacob Geiger; Deacons, Nicholas Monts and Gust Haagensen. Following, as Pastors, were Rev. J. W. Henderson, as supply; Rev. B. S. Hyman, Rev. E. S. Reese, Rev. R. H. Nye, the present Pastor. A Sabbath school has been in operation since the erection of the church with William Thomas as first Superintendent. The present presiding officer is W. G. W. Geiger.

         The present church membership is twenty-eight. Preaching is held regularly every alternate Sabbath. William Hart and Jacob Geiger, Elders; Joseph Smith, Deacon.