His career consisted of being a farmer and thoroughbred dealer in Toronto Township. He was President of the Dominion Live Stock Association in 1887, 1st Vice President of the Dominion Live Stock Insurance Company from 1887-1888. He also served as President of the Canadian Swine Breeders Association from 1890-1891. He served as a Councillor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve before entering Federal politics.
He was chosen as Liberal Candidate in Peel County to contest the general election for the House of Commons in 1891 against the sitting Conservative member W. A. McCulla. Featherstone won that election with a 54 majority, in what has been described as a "keen and exciting contest". That election was declared void; a by-election which was held on February 11, 1892 gave Featherstone a majority of 133.
The next election Featherstone was against A. F. Campbell, publisher of The Brampton Conservator. This election Featherstone triumphed by a majority of 466, or 1891 to 1425. This marked the first time any Peel candidate won by a margin of over 100. Featherstone's streak ended in 1900, to Richard Blain.