The couple moved to a "squatters claim" in what is now known as Pleasant Township, Jerauld County, South Dakota.

[1] Despite limited abilities as a public speaker, he successfully guided Progressive measures through the state senate.

Vessey's candidacy for governor was supported in large part due to his solid record in the state senate.

As governor, he worked to keep peace among South Dakota Progressives and sought to enhance control of government through the direct primary law.

[4][5] In 1910, Vessey's bid for a second term as governor was threatened by an independent candidate named George W. Egan.