A native of Chicago, he began as a prison chaplain and held pastorates in Minnesota.

Though Very never completed his divinity degree, he held temporary pastorates in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

After some delay he was ordained to the ministry, and held several pastorates (since 1738).

He studied theology, was ordained a minister and held pastorates in Farmington from 1848 to 1853.

He later held pastorates in Woodland and Sacramento, California, as well.

He held pastorates in Washington, D.C. and New York City before moving to Iowa.

He entered the ministry in 1840 and held various pastorates in Massachusetts.

He then held various pastorates, and at the First Unitarian Church of Newton, Massachusetts, from 1877 until his death.

Beginning in 1794, he held several pastorates in and around Hagerstown, Maryland.

He held pastorates in Detroit, Michigan, and East Hartford, Connecticut.