[3] Mechanicsburg was laid out and platted in 1858 by members of the Keesling and Alexander families.

[3] It had been a trading centre for many years beforehand, the first store having been established in 1845 by Thomas Dunning.

[4] A relatively high number of settlers employed as mechanics caused the name to be selected.

[3] It was not located on a railroad, unlike the other villages in the County that came about after the advent of the railway, and was instead served by Middletown and various other nearby stations including Honey Creek.

[3] Its post office was established by postmaster Thomas B. Keesling, originally from Preble County, Ohio, on 1849-07-14.