Charles was a businessman, becoming involved in national politics during the Franco-Prussian War when he served in Paris as aide to Jules Favre, Vice-President of the Government of National Defence.
After the war, Ferry was appointed prefect of Saône-et-Loire, then served as government commissioner in Corsica in October and November 1871, and prefect of Haute-Garonne after that until May 1873.
Leaving government service, Ferry returned to business and banking.
In 1881 he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies to represent Épinal.
He joined his brother in the ranks of the Opportunist Republicans.
He served only a single term, not standing for reelection in 1885.