Edward Wilson Very

Edward Wilson Very (October 26, 1847 – March 1, 1910) was an American naval officer who adopted and popularized a single-shot breech-loading snub-nosed flare gun that fired flares that bear his name (Very lights). During his naval career he captained a gunboat off the shores of Japan, held positions in engineering, naval ordnance, artillery and signal staff postings and saw diplomatic service with the U.S. Legation in Paris.

Very was born in Belfast, Maine and, at the age of 15 1/2, was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy from the Washington Territory. His was the first appointment ever issued from that territory. He entered the Academy in February 1863, he was granted a leave of absence in June 1864 for active service during the Civil War. During this time, he served first on the USS Agawam at Dutch Gap on the James River, from June 7, 1864 until the end of July 1864. He was then transferred to the steamer Gettysburg, where he participated in the blockade of Wilmington, North Carolina. He returned to the Academy that October to complete his studies, graduating on June 7, 1867.

Following graduation, Very served his first midshipman tour briefly on the USS Michigan. He then saw service with the Asiatic Squadron aboard the USS Piscataqua from September 1867 to July 1868, and then on the USS Oneida. In January 1869, he received his commission as an Ensign and was ordered to the USS Idaho in May. In August, he was ordered to the USS Monocacy, where he received his Masters commission in December. In February 1870, he received orders to the USS Delaware.

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