William John Ferris (1855–1917) was an Australian politician and businessman active in local and state politics in New South Wales during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in Parramatta to James Ferris, a general dealer, and Bridget Cogan, Ferris spent much of his life and career in his home region. Before entering politics and real estate, he managed a Catholic orphan school, later partnering with his brother in a real estate venture around 1884.
Ferris's political career was closely tied to Parramatta, where he served as an alderman and was twice elected mayor. In 1898, he successfully ran for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as the Protectionist candidate for Parramatta. Although his initial election was voided in October of that year due to polling irregularities, he secured his seat again in the subsequent by-election. He served in the legislature until his defeat in 1901. Ferris married Eleanor Alicia Jamieson in 1885, with whom he had four children, and he lived in Parramatta until his death in 1917.
