The village of Catawba was laid out in 1835-36, by Cass and Marsh. The land upon which it is situated originally belonged to Israel Marsh and George Dawson (not the son of Henry Dawson.)

Henry Neer built the first house in this village. It was occupied by his son-in-law, Cornelius Stires, a shoemaker.

The second was built for Miller Williamson, a blacksmith.

Joseph Laybourn and William Albrison, the former a blacksmith, and the latter a shoemaker, were early residents.

William Pearson, a carpenter and cabinet-maker, built the first frame house in this place.

About 1831, Joseph Newlove came to this village with a stock of goods and established a store in a small room on the site of the store now owned by Joseph Pearson. Newlove soon afterward sold out to Herriman Chamberlain.

In 1833, or about that time, through the influence of Hon. Joseph Vance, member of Congress, a post office was established here, and Chamberlain was appointed Postmaster.

The name suggested for the office was Newburg; but as there was already an office in the State by this name, it was called Buck Creek.

In 1838, the first tavern was opened in the southwest corner of Champaign and Pleasant streets. The proprietor, Henry Runyan, some time before having purchased the store of Chamberlain, succeeded him in the office of Postmaster. The mercantile business of Mr. Runyan continued for many years. Among the number engaged in the same business at a later date may be mentioned J. D. Creamer and Samuel Conway and son.

The first mail carriers were John Neer and Joseph Pearson, who were required on some of the routes to travel on horseback a distance of fifty-six miles in one day. Letter postage, in those days, was 25 cents-payable at the office of delivery if carried 400 miles; and for a less distance, it was diminished proportionately.