The village was originally named New Dublin by James Kelsey in 1820. Within a couple of years, it was called Dickson's Mills, and then Strain's Mills, before it became known as Mansfield in the 1830s.
The village prospered when a roller mill was built by James Kelsey and Francis Dickson in 1820. As the milling industry expanded, the village grew to a thriving town of more than 300. A sash mill and carding mill were added, and the little town gained a general store, blacksmith, cooperage and wagon maker, and a church and school were organized.
