**************************************************************************** File contributed to the McLean County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 1997 to present, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author, ilmcleanvcc@gmail.com. **************************************************************************** Contributed by: McLean Co. Coordinator **************************************************************************** HON. JOHN CASSEDY Biography HON. JOHN CASSEDY, farming and stock-raising, Sec. 7; P.O. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is native of New York, was born July 7, 1827; came to McLean County in 1851, and entered 200 acres of land, returning the same year to his native State. In August of 1855, he again came to McLean County, and settled on the land he had entered in 1851, where he has since resided. He has been adding from time to time to what he entered until he now owns 742 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Cassedy has held a great many positions of honor and trust. Among the local offices held by Mr. Cassedy might be mentioned those of Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, Township Clerk, etc. He was the first and is the present Supervisor; in all of these offices he well and faithfully served his constituents. In 1872, the people of McLean County called upon him to represent them in their State Legislature, which he faithfully and honorably did. The following resolution was brought forward by Mr. Cassedy, which passed both houses: Resolution.-Whereas, the Constitution of the United States makes it the duty of Congress to regulate commerce between the States; therefore, resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring herein, that our Senators be instructed, and our Representatives in Congress be requested to use all lawful means to procure a law of Congress preventing railroads or transportation companies doing business through or between the States, from making unjust charges or discriminations for such service. Mr. Cassedy assisted in the organization of Lawndale Township, and proposed the name the township now bears. He was united in marriage with Mary A. BROWN, February 2, 1857. Miss Brown was born in Sangmon Co., Ill., July 18, 1838. By this union there are six children, all of whom are now living, viz.: John F., Annie M., Minnie F., Cora B., Iona M. and Ida L.