Check signed by C.H. McCormick - 1862 dated Check

Check signed by C.H. McCormick, relative of Wm. S. McCormick. Front and back shown.

William Sanderson McCormick (November 2, 1815 – September 27, 1865) was an American businessman who developed McCormick Harvesting Machine Company the company that became the major producer of agricultural equipment in the 19th century. The business became the International Harvester corporation in 1902a. Although he died relatively young with most of the fame going to his brothers, his extended McCormick family continued to be influential in the politics and business of Chicago. In 1850, William, his wife, and infant son moved to Chicago to join his brothers in the family business, first on a salary basis. The California Gold Rush had created a labor shortage, which was good for demand, but also caused turnover in the factory employees. William managed the day-to-day operations of the business while Cyrus was often traveling or pursuing patent infringement lawsuits. William tried to mediate between Cyrus (who claimed all the credit as "inventor") and his brother Leander, who was now in charge of technical aspects of product development.

In 1859, he negotiated a formal agreement giving him and Leander one fourth interest in the company, and renamed it "C. H. McCormick & Brothers."

The onset of the American Civil War brought new demand, but stress from another labor shortage. McCormick bought real estate in downtown Chicago which proved to be a wise investment. The family was attacked in the press as being southern sympathizers. In fact, the family never adjusted to the brutal cold of winters in Chicago. Brother Cyrus worsened the conflict by funding conservative newspapers to battle the liberal major publishers that were tied to local politicians. Cyrus traveled to Europe in 1864 where he successfully promoted international sales. Read more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Sanderson_McCormick

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