The couple moved to Oklahoma Territory and participated in multiple land runs before founding the Watonga Republican.

When her husband was appointed governor in 1901, she served as the First Lady of Oklahoma Territory until he left office in 1906.

[2] In 1885, she married Thompson Benton Ferguson and the couple participated in three land runs:[1] 1889,[2] 1892, and 1893.

[1] In her later life, she was active in the National League of American Pen Women and Order of the Eastern Star.

[1] Elva and Thompson had five children, but only two survived to adulthood: Walter Ferguson and Tom Jr.[1]