Charles Edwin Bessey (1845–1915)

American botanist. BS, Michigan Agricultural College, 1869. Studied under Asa Gray at Harvard University, 1872–3 and 1876. Instructor of botany, Iowa Agricultural College, 1869; professor, 1872–84. Professor of botany, University of Nebraska, 1884–1915. Best known for his teaching and textbooks, which introduced microscopy and physiological botany to American schools and colleges.