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Birth
Born in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia -
First demonstration
showed off prototype mechanical reaping in Steeles Tavern, Virginia -
Granted a Patent
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Sales
He starts getting customers for his reaper -
Reaper improvements patent
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Factory comission
McCormick gets a factory to make his mechanical reaper, as well as a few others, but the other factories's quality sucks -
Move to Chicago
McCormick moves his base of operations, and gets a factory in Chicago -
Patent renewal
McCormick went in to renew his patent at the patent office, but was declined, as a similar machine was patented months earlier by Obed Hussey. -
Joining forces
McCormick's brother joins the company in Chicago to help with financials. -
Patent Infringement Battle
McCormick had a court battle against John Manny, with McCormick hiring Reverdy Johnson, Edward Dickerson, and Abraham Lincoln. McCormick lost, also losing his patent extension. -
Death
He died in his home in Chicago