Born in British Guiana and educated in England and Geneva, Alexander Ferguson migrated to New Zealand in 1881. After a short period farming he worked for the Auckland Star and became editor of the New Zealand Graphic. He subsequently worked for the firm of John Burns & Co. and married John Burns' only daughter, Agnes Marshall Burns, known as Nessie, on 9 December 1899. He inherited the role of Belgian Consul from his father in law who held that position from 1898. Alex and Nessie Ferguson lived at Eristone, 3 Corbett-Scott Ave until circa 1925. Alex Ferguson died in 1942.