John Maxwell Ferguson
John Maxwell Ferguson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Dundee, Scotland |
| Died | August 2, 1924 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, legislator, benefactor |
| Years active | 1867–1904 |
| Known for | Business ventures in Western Australia, member of the Legislative Assembly for North Fremantle (1903–1904) |
John Maxwell Ferguson (28 April 1841 – 2 August 1924) was a prominent Australian entrepreneur, legislator, and benefactor with varied business ventures throughout Western Australia. He was also a leading member of the state's Presbyterian denomination. Ferguson represented North Fremantle in the Legislative Assembly from 1903 until 1904.
Early life
Ferguson was born in Dundee, Scotland, to parents Isabella (née Maxwell) and John Ferguson, and relocated to Western Australia as an infant. His father held the position of colonial surgeon, acting as the colony's chief medical officer. Initially educated at Bishop Hale's School, he completed his studies at the High School of Dundee back in Scotland. Subsequently, he joined the Merchant Navy, eventually becoming captain of his own vessel. In 1867, Ferguson returned to Western Australia and settled in Fremantle, where he purchased the schooner Airlie to engage in trade with Singapore and China.
Business career
In 1871, Ferguson secured a lease on the Stanley Brewery and formed a partnership in 1872 with William Mumme, a skilled German brewmaster. Their company acquired the Swan Brewery by 1874, relocating it to a freshwater spring at Mount Eliza. Ferguson divested his brewery interests in 1886 and shifted focus to general merchandising in Fremantle with William Dalgety Moore. By 1889, he had established a hardware enterprise and extended his operations into sawmilling throughout the South West, broadening his industrial activities.
Politics and later life
Ferguson ventured into politics in 1903, winning the North Fremantle by-election triggered by the resignation of Denis Doherty. His time in parliament was short-lived, as he was defeated by Labour's Harry Bolton shortly thereafter. He continued to contribute actively to public affairs, particularly within Perth’s Presbyterian circles. In 1904, Ferguson funded the relocation of Scotch College and played a key role in founding Presbyterian Ladies' College in 1915. He retired to Mount Lawley, where he passed away at age 83 in 1924. His nephew, Percy Douglas Ferguson, also held a seat in parliament.