Charles E. Bessey was born May 21, 1845 in Milton, Ohio. He grew up on the family farm until his father’s death in 1863. He then taught carpentry and surveying. In 1869, he received a B.S. from Michigan Agricultural College and an honorary M.S. in 1872. In 1879 he received an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and in 1898 a LLD from Grinnell College. Bessey was an instructor of botany at the Iowa Agricultural College (now called Iowa State University) from 1870-1873. From 1874 to 1877 he was a professor of botany, zoology, and entomology. He became professor of botany in 1878 and held that position until 1884. While at ISU he established the first botanical laboratory for undergraduate study in the United States. In addition, he began an herbarium. In 1882, he became the Vice President of the College and that same year became acting President. In 1884, Bessey left ISU to become the first Dean of Agriculture at the University of Nebraska. He held that position until 1915. In addition he served as acting President from 1888 to 191 and 1909. From 1909 to 1915 he was the Dean of Deans. Bessey also became Scientist of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture.

He was married to Lucy Athearn on December 25, 1873 and they had three children. Edward and Carl Bessey became electricians. Ernst Bessey became a botanist and worked for the Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C.

Bessey died on February 25, 1915 in Lincoln, Nebraska.