Dexter Mason Ferry (August 8, 1833 – November 10, 1907)[1] was a businessman from Detroit, Michigan who founded D.M.

When he was 16, Dexter Ferry began working on a farm, earning $10 per month, and attending school in the winter.

[2] In 1851, he began working for Ezra M. Parsons of Rochester, New York, and entered school there.

[1] In 1856, Ferry got into the seed-growing business as a junior partner, along with Milo T. Gardner and Eber F. Church,[3] of M.T.

He sold only fresh seed, increasing germination rates and establishing a reputation for quality.

[5] Ferry built a new warehouse, and by 1890 was doing over a million and a half dollars in business annually.

He was Chair of the Republican State Central Committee in 1896-98, and a candidate for nomination for governor in 1900.