ROERT SCADDEN VESSEY was born in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. He attended public school and Daggett Commercial School in Oshkosh. After moving to South Dakota, he served as president of Wessington Springs State Bank from 1899 to 1908. He served in the South Dakota State Senate before being elected governor in 1908. As governor, Vessey helped secure the enactment of legislation revising South Dakota’s banking, insurance, and railroad laws. In addition to his political activities and involvement in the banking industry, Vessey was s sheep rancher and owner of Vessey Brothers Merchandise Store.