William W. Stickney graduated from Black River Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, establishing a solid educational foundation. He began his legal career in Ludlow, Vermont, and later served as a clerk for the Vermont House of Representatives and state's attorney for Windsor County. Stickney transitioned to elected office, representing Ludlow in the Vermont House of Representatives and serving as Speaker of the House. He was elected governor of Vermont, during which he favored abolishing the office of Tax Commissioner and supported legislation establishing the boundary line between Massachusetts and Vermont.

William W. Stickney's political career is marked by a distinctive blend of regional advocacy and strategic pragmatism, particularly in his legislative efforts to establish the boundary line between Massachusetts and Vermont. His push to abolish the office of Tax Commissioner reveals a calculated effort to streamline state governance, while his appointment of John Coolidge to a military staff position underscores a personal and political network that transcends traditional party lines. Stickney's rhetorical style likely emphasizes the importance of localized governance and regional interests, creating a unique ideological positioning that invites deeper examination.