Physical description

Charles Ferguson was born on 11 April, 1813 in South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland. He was the son of Charles Ferguson (1771-1813), a carpenter, and Janet, nee Ross (1786-1868).

Captain Charles Ferguson became the state of Victoria’s first Chief Harbour Master in February, 1852. In the same year he began to perform the duties of both a Police Magistrate and a Water Police Magistrate for Williamstown and became a big landholder in the colony. He was also chairman of the Steam Navigation Board, President of the Pilot’s Board, Secretary of the provisional Committee to establish a Floating Seaman’s Chapel, the forerunner to the Mission to Seamen.

In honour of his service to the town, Ferguson Street in Williamstown was named in his honour.

Source: https://williamstownhistsoc.org.au/williamstown-notables-captain-charles-ferguson