Epaphroditus Ransom (1798-1859) - Find a Grave Memorial

Governor of Michigan. The fourth of twelve children, he attended Chester Academy of Vermont and Northampton Law School. Upon receiving his degree in 1823, he set up practice in Vermont. Although he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, he moved to Michigan in 1834 when many of his family relocated there. Arriving in Bronson (now Kalamazoo), he gained admission to Michigan bar. He practiced law, but also farmed and again became active in politics. While serving in the state legislature, he also served as the area's first circuit court judge. In 1837, he was an associate justice of the state Supreme Court and later served as Chief Justice from 1843 to 1848. He resigned from the court when he was elected the 7th governor of Michigan. During his tenure, the first telegraph from New York City to Detroit was completed.

Because of his strong anti-slavery position, he was not nominated to run for a second term as governor. He returned to the state legislature in 1853. As the first president of the Michigan Agricultural Society, he aided in the creation of the Michigan State Farm and the Michigan State University. At Michigan State, he served as regent for two years. The Panic of 1855 destroyed him financially and he accepted a position at the Osage Land Office in Kansas.

Bio by: Winter Birds PA