Born January 10, 1822, in Clermont County, Ohio. He emigrated to Jefferson County, Iowa, when he was twenty years old, arriving May 1, 1842, and purchased a farm there. After clearing the land, which was "only wilderness", he returned to Clermont County. He made the trip to Ohio on horseback, spending the winter in Illinois. He married Sarah Weaver in Clermont County in 1849, the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Robinson) Weaver. Mr. Simmons brought his bride back to Jefferson County to live, and all their children were born there. His farm was six miles north of Fairfield, near Brooksville. He and Sarah returned to Clermont County in April, 1861, and remained there until the spring of 1863, when they once again returned to Iowa. William was elected to the State Legislature in 1875. He was prominent in the public life of his community, was a Methodist and a Republican. He farmed and also taught school. In later life he moved into Fairfield, where he died July 5, 1901.