They became the favorite topics of conversation in the evening gatherings that took place about the family log fire.

Robert McCormick had several sons, and one manifested a particular interest in his repeated failures.

From the time he was seven years old Cyrus Hall McCormick became his father's closest companion.
Others might ridicule and revile, but this chubby, bright-eyed, intelligent little boy was always the keenest listener, the one comfort which the father had against his jeering neighbors.

He also became his father's constant associate in his rough workshop.

Soon, however, the older man noticed a change in their relations.