Charles Edwin Bessey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Edwin Bessey
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| Born | 21 May 1845 Milton, Ohio
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| Died | 25 February 1915 (aged 69) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Michigan Agricultural College |
| Known for | Bessey system |
| Awards | Nebraska Hall of Fame |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | botanist |
| Institutions | Iowa Agricultural College |
| Doctoral advisor | Asa Gray |
| Author abbrev. (botany) | Bessey |
Charles Edwin Bessey (born May 21, 1845 – died February 25, 1915) was an American botanist. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. He made important contributions to how we understand and classify plants.
Contents
A Life of Plant Discovery
Charles Bessey was born in Milton, Wayne County, Ohio. He finished his studies at Michigan Agricultural College in 1869. He also studied at Harvard University with a famous botanist named Asa Gray.
Teaching and Leading
Bessey became a professor of botany at Iowa Agricultural College. This school is now known as Iowa State University. He taught there from 1870 to 1884.
In 1884, he moved to the University of Nebraska. There, he became a professor of botany. He later became a top leader, or dean, at the university in 1909. He even served as the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska two times. This is like being the president of the university.
In 1911, he was the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This is a big group for scientists in America.
Bessey's Family
Charles Bessey had three sons. His son, Ernst Bessey, followed in his footsteps. Ernst became a professor of botany at Michigan State University. His other two sons, Edward and Carl, studied electrical engineering.
Books About Plants
Charles Bessey wrote many books about plants and nature. These books helped students learn about botany. Some of his well-known books include:
- Botany for High Schools and Colleges (1880)
- Elementary Botany (1904)
- Plant Migration Studies (1905)
- Synopsis of Plant Phyla (1907)
- Outlines of Plant Phyla (1909)
Bessey's Plant System
Charles Bessey is famous for his way of organizing flowering plants. He focused on how plants changed over time. His system showed how simpler plants developed into more complex ones. Many scientists believe his ideas helped shape how we classify plants today. This system is known as the Bessey system.
Honoring His Work
In 1967, Iowa State University built a new building. They named it the Bessey Hall to honor him. This building is still used by science departments today.
In 2009, Charles Bessey was added to the Nebraska Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes people who have made great contributions to Nebraska.
See also
In Spanish: Charles Bessey para niños
- Bessey system, his way of classifying plants.
- Nebraska National Forest
