 He was the son of Robert Ferguson (1767–1840) of Raith, Whig Member of Parliament for Fifeshire, Haddingtonshire and Kirkcaldy Burghs, and Lord Lieutenant of the county of Fife.In 1846, in accordance with the terms of the 10th Baronet's will, he adopted by royal licence the surname and arms of Davie in addition to his patronymic, and was created a baronet on 9 January 1847.He rebuilt Creedy House in 1846.