South Dakota Governor. He studied briefly at Oshkosh's Daggett Business College, and then worked as a lumberjack for five years. In 1882 he relocated to the Dakota Territory, settling in what is now Wessington Springs, South Dakota. Vessey became a farmer and merchant, and was also active in banking and other ventures. He was a Trustee of a local high school, Wessington Springs Seminary, and Dakota Wesleyan University. In 1904 he was elected to the South Dakota Senate and served two terms, 1905 to 1909, serving as Senate President in his second term. In 1908 he was the successful Republican nominee for Governor and served two terms, 1909 to 1913. Vessey was an advocate of campaign reform and other progressive measures, and oversaw enactment of laws requiring political parties to provide detailed reports of their expenses. He also advocated for laws compelling railroads to built connecting tracks at intersecting points on their lines, making it easier for farmers to transport their crops to market. He returned to his business interests after leaving office, and in 1920 moved to Pasadena, California, where he owned and operated a real estate business. In 1978 his home on College Street in Wessington Springs was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
South Dakota Governor. He studied briefly at Oshkosh's Daggett Business College, and then worked as a lumberjack for five years. In 1882 he relocated to the Dakota Territory, settling in what is now Wessington Springs, South Dakota. Vessey became a farmer and merchant, and was also active in banking and other ventures. He was a Trustee of a local high school, Wessington Springs Seminary, and Dakota Wesleyan University. In 1904 he was elected to the South Dakota Senate and served two terms, 1905 to 1909, serving as Senate President in his second term. In 1908 he was the successful Republican nominee for Governor and served two terms, 1909 to 1913. Vessey was an advocate of campaign reform and other progressive measures, and oversaw enactment of laws requiring political parties to provide detailed reports of their expenses. He also advocated for laws compelling railroads to built connecting tracks at intersecting points on their lines, making it easier for farmers to transport their crops to market. He returned to his business interests after leaving office, and in 1920 moved to Pasadena, California, where he owned and operated a real estate business. In 1978 his home on College Street in Wessington Springs was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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