I am researching the ancestors of JOSEPH HARE (1749 - 1853; yes, 1853) who was apparently born near present-day Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC and one of 10 or 11 children. At present, we suspect that his parents were Joseph (Sr.) and Ann Hare but have not confirmed this yet. It is also suspected that his father (Joseph, Sr.?) may have died circa 1756 (as Cumberland Co. probate records suggest) and that his children subsequently moved from Cumberland Co. to the northeastern coastal areas of NC (BERTIE, Gates Co.'s, etc.). Although I don't presently know the names of his brothers (we suspect John, Robert, William, Edward, etc.), it is thought that they (and Joseph?) resided in these counties during the late 1700's.

As for JOSEPH, he apparently enlisted in the service in early 1776 and participated in the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge (1776). He went on to serve out his 3-year military term and sometime in 1779, made his way (with an Edward Hale?) to then-Montgomery Co., VA (present-day Giles Co., VA) which, at that time, was the edge of the western frontier. There he settled and lived the remainder of his days as a noted frontier/Indian scout and land speculator. It is known that he did return to NC in 1781, however, to participate in the Rev. War Battles of Weitzel's Mill and Guilford Courthouse and was also present at Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, VA.
As for his suspected heritage, family lore has it that his ancestors fled religious persecution in France in the late 1600's for Barbados, living there for a short period of time before arriving in America circa 1710 (settling near Charleston, SC) and eventually migrating to the Fayetteville area (in the 1720's or 1730's?). Any info on JOSEPH, his parents and/or ancestors would be very much appreciated.

Bob (ANC1779@aol.com)