Born in Auchtermuchty, Fife, Scotland,[1] Ferrier migrated to Canada in 1821 and established himself in Montreal, Quebec, as a successful Scots-Quebecer merchant.

Henry Esson,[2] and others, one of their purposes being to provide a solution to the growing influence of Anglicanism in education at the time.

[3] Ferrier became the fourth mayor of Montreal, holding office from 1844 to 1847.

He sat with the Conservative group and represented the Senatorial Division of Shawinegan until his death in 1888.

From 1867 until his death he also served on the Legislative Council of Quebec, sitting for the division of Victoria.