First found in Ayrshire, where they were seated from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name O'Hare arrived in North America very early: James and Susan Hare, who settled in Virginia in 1635; as did James Haire in 1642; John Hare, who arrived in Barbados with his wife and servants in 1679.

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