Edward M. Cassady (1848-1928) pioneer farmer and Whiting businessman, was elected Republican representative from Monona County in 1906 and served two terms in the legislature. He came to this area in 1868 with his widowed mother, Julia, after service in the Union Army (CO. A. 10th Reg. U.S. Inf.) during the Civil War and the Indian uprisings in Minnesota. They bought land in West Fork Township which was later part of his Walnut Ridge Stock Farm. Cassady was postmaster in West Fork the last four years before the office was moved to the new town of Whiting in 1873. With his brother-in-law, Will C. Whiting, he organized Cassady & Whiting general store in 1880, started a lumber yard two years later, also operated a bank and grain elevator. In 1878 he married Ida Whiting (1854-1937), daughter of C. E. Whiting. Their children were Raymond, Edith (Mrs. Nev McBeath) Edward Jr., and Lloyd.

Edward Michael Cassady served two terms, from 1906 through 1909, in the Iowa State Legislature. He joined the US Army when he was 15 years of age and served through out the Civil War.