McCormick family


The McCormick family of Chicago and Virginia is an American family of Scottish descent that attained prominence and fortune starting with the invention of the McCormick Reaper, a machine that revolutionized agriculture, helped break the bonds of slavery, and established the modern grain trade by beginning the mechanization of the harvesting of grain. Through the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and later, the International Harvester Company and other investments, the McCormicks became one of the wealthiest families in America. The name became ubiquitous in agriculture starting in the 19th century and the press dubbed the McCormicks the "Reaper Kings". Later generations expanded into media and publishing, finance, and real estate. Various family members were well known as civic leaders. They are descended from an influential leader of modern agriculture, inventor Robert McCormick Jr., and Mary Ann "Polly" Hall of Steeles Tavern, Virginia. The family is Presbyterian.

Family members

Three branches: Cyrus-the McCormick Blaines and the Rockefeller McCormicks. William-the Deering McCormicks, the Medill McCormicks, and the McCormick Blairs. Leander-the Hall McCormicks, the McCormick-Goodharts, and the Hamilton McCormicks.
The McCormicks are remembered through their philanthropy and projects named in their honor, including: