The first Unitarian minister in New York City served from 1821 to 1836. Upon resigning, he bought—and served as editor of—the Christian Examiner. Three dramatic novels by him—Zenobia, Probus, and Julian—were set in early Christian times, and they were popular. His fictional narrative of the life of Christ was the first widely read American religious novel.

William was a son of Henry Ware, Sr., of Harvard University. He suffered ill health, with disturbing occasions of epilepsy. Nevertheless he proceeded with his work as writer and editor, producing Sketches of European Capitals, American Unitarian Biography, and a volume celebrating the genius of Washington Allston, painter of “Belshazzar’s Feast.”