McCORMICK, Cyrus Hall
(1809–84), American inventor and manufacturer, born
in Rockbridge Co., Va. In 1831 he invented the first successful
reaping machine. The technical innovations in this machine contributed
greatly to the development of modern agriculture and have been included
in every successful reaper manufactured since. At first McCormick’s
machines were produced in small lots for local use in Virginia.
In 1847 he built a factory in Chicago and began the large-scale
manufacture of reapers. He introduced his reaper into Europe in
1851. McCormick continued to improve the machine, patenting inventions
such as the self-rake and twine binder. He also made extensive use
of field demonstrations and other modern business techniques, including
deferred payment plans, guarantees, and testimonials in advertising.