The first blacksmith in Decatur was George Irwin, and the first shopkeeper, John Chase. The first physician was Dr. Thomas Whitacre. The first postmaster was Robert Percival, appointed in 1857. Another early settler was the Honorable Frank Welch who located in Decatur in 1857. He was later elected to Congress from Nebraska. The history of Decatur would not be complete without mentioning Hamilton and Fontenelle.