In 1857, he began his education at the Vigo County Seminary, which was located on the future site of the Indiana State Normal School.

After graduating in 1872 he began his teaching career which took him to Tuscola, Illinois followed by Gosport and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Parsons returned to Indiana State Normal as a teacher of grammar and composition in 1876.

[1] In 1883, Parsons was promoted to Vice-President of Indiana State Normal School.

William Wood Parsons died in his home in Terre Haute on September 28, 1925.