Ephraim Torrance was born around 1834 in Jay, New York, to Russell and Rhoda Torrance. He grew up and attended school in Jay, and he married Sarah Ann Torrance. They had at least two children: Albert, born around 1858; and Effie, born around 1867. He worked as a farmer, and by 1860, he owned $700 of real estate and $380 of personal property.
He enlisted in the Union army on September 2, 1864, and he mustered in as a private in Company E of the 2nd New York Cavalry on September 14. According to his service records, he was 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with dark hair and blue eyes. The regiment took part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign and the Appomattox campaign. He mustered out on May 30, 1865.
He returned to Jay after the war and resumed his work as a farmer. By 1870, he owned $3,300 of real estate. By 1875, he was working as a miller. He died on October 26, 1876.