Cyrus H. McCormick was an American inventor and businessman best known for developing the mechanical reaper, a machine that revolutionized agriculture in the 19th century. Born on February 15, 1809, in Virginia, he created a more efficient way to harvest crops, significantly increasing productivity and reducing the labor needed for farming. McCormick founded the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in 1831, which later became part of International Harvester. His innovations not only transformed farming practices but also contributed to the growth of the American economy during the Industrial Revolution. McCormick passed away on May 13, 1884.