Cyrus McCormick

Cyrus McCormick (1809-84), American inventor and manufacturer. Cyrus Hall McCormick was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia. 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.