Book excerpt: Mansfield began in 1808 when its public square was carved out of a wilderness inhabited only by Wyandots, wild animals, and an itinerant nurseryman named Johnny Appleseed. Throughout the 200 years since then, the character and appearance of the city has transformed many times as new generations remade it into their home. Driving around Mansfield today, there is enough remaining of historical times to compare with old photographs in order to make the past come alive.