He was the fourth of twelve children and was educated at various schools in New England, such as Chester Academy of Vermont for four years.

He served in the state legislature and became that area's first circuit court judge, riding horseback through the wilderness to hear cases.

During his term as governor, the first telegraph line from New York City to Detroit was completed and the first message sent on March 1.

Strang was even elected to the state legislature twice, but anti-Mormon sentiment and his totalitarian rule of the island led to his assassination.

Because of Ransom's strong anti-slavery position, the state Democratic Party did not re-nominate him for governor in 1850.

His private business ventures were ruined by the Panic of 1855, and in 1857, Ransom accepted appointment from U.S. President James Buchanan as receiver of the public monies for the Osage Land Office in Fort Scott, Kansas.