When his father died on December 30, 1867, Edward was the executor of the Ferry's estate and was given a wide range of responsibilities.

In Utah Territory, Edward proved to be very effective in buying and developing premium mining properties.

These developments would later create a conflict that would be taken to the Supreme Court, which would set precedent for case law concerning using estate funds.

[6] Part of Edward's mining fortune was used to pay off the debts of his older brother, Senator Thomas W. Ferry.

Edward Payson Ferry married Clara Virginia White, a second cousin who worked as a teacher.

Their first son was William Montague Ferry, born on March 12, 1871, named after his grandfather, who had recently passed.

Edward Steward Ferry participated in a US Supreme court case against his cousin, Henry Clay Hall Jr., in April 1913.