Adonijah B. Parsons, second son of William W. and Hester Ward Parsons, was born in the old brick house built by his gieat-grandfather. His early life was spent on the farm. He received his education from private tutors, and for several years he engaged in teaching school, but during the time he was reading law. He was admitted to the bar at St. George, 1872. He was elected prosecuting attorney for one term. He was elected school commissioner and secretary of the Board of Education. In 1882 he was elected to represent Randolph and Tucker counties in the legislature. He filled all these offices with honor and ability . He was a prominent leader of the Democratic party.

A. B. Parsons was principally a land and criminal lawyer. In chancery practice his business was extensive. He studied the modes of presenting an argument in the most forcible manner, and in this there were few his equal. Scarcely a case came before the courts in which he was not counsel for one side or the other. His practice extended through the courts from the bench of Justice to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

He was very successful in his business, and would have amassed a fortune had he not failed in health. He was a great sufferer for many years, but bore it with wonderful patience. He died at his home in Parsons, W. Virginia, 1909.