Born at Glens Falls, New York, Ferriss completed preparatory studies.

He attended the University of Vermont at Burlington, where he was a founding member of the Lambda Iota Society.

He was admitted to the bar in 1840 and commenced practice in Glens Falls, New York.

He was appointed by President Grant as commissioner of southern claims and served from 1871 to 1877.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress