Background
Fern was born in Glebe to Scottish migrants James Fern, a gardener, and Elizabeth McIvor.
Fern was born in Glebe to Scottish migrants James Fern, a gardener, and Elizabeth McIvor.
He received a bursary to study at Marist Brothers College, North Sydney. At the age of eighteen he began work as a miner at Yerranderie, an occupation which would cause him to suffer from phthisis. In December 1911 Fern was elected to the NSW legislative assembly as member for the Electoral district of Cobar.
He held the seat until his death in April 1918.
In 1913 he served on the central executive of the ALP.
A supporter of conscription in World War I, Fern joined the Universal Service League in 1915. He suffered from shellshock as a result of his service and was invalided home.
He died at Lidcombe in 1918.
He was an active member of the Amalgamated Miners" Association, serving as an organiser and secretary of the union, as well as representing it on the wages board.