Cassidy, Michael E.

Biographical note: Active in public service for much of his life, Michael E. Cassidy was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1894. He settled in Illinois and jointed the Illinois National Guard. In 1894 he participated with other Guard members in the Chicago Pullman strike. He was commissioned and served during the Spanish-American War with the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After discharge Cassidy moved to Bisbee Arizona and became a claims agent for Phelps Dodge Corporation and later was named to postmaster. During World War I he served at Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico. Upon his release from service he was named prohibition director for Arizona by President Harding in 1921. He studied law and received a degree in 1923. Between 1924 and 1929 Cassidy was associated with the Phoenix National Bank and practiced law in Phoenix. From 1929 to 1931 he served as assistant secretary of state.