Epaphroditus Ransom was the first governor sworn in at the new capital in Lansing Michigan. Arriving in Michigan from Vermont in 1834, Ransom settled in Kalamazoo County and served as chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court from 1843 to 1847. A Democrat, Ransom believed that the state government, long controlled by his political party, placed too much emphasis on the eastern portion of the state. Ransom returned to Kalamazoo after one term as governor.
Ransom’s swearing in took place at this simple, wooden building that would serve as the Capitol for the next 30 years.
Sources :
Michigan Historical Calendar, courtesy of the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University.
Amy Elliott Bragg, “Michigan Governors: Epaphroditus Ransom“, the Night Train, September 8, 2010.
Epaphroditus Ransom wikipedia entry
Photo from Michigan State Capitol Facebook Page.