Ferguson served in the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1903 to 1904, representing the seat of North Fremantle.

The following year, he went into partnership with William Mumme, a German expatriate with previous experience in the brewing trade.

In 1874, the firm of Ferguson and Mumme acquired the Swan Brewery, which they relocated to the site of a freshwater spring at the foot of Mount Eliza.

Ferguson sold his share in the brewery in 1886, and went into business as a general merchant in Fremantle, partnering with William Dalgety Moore.

[3] Ferguson remained involved in public life for some time, and was prominent in Perth's Presbyterian community.