A native of Dorsetshire (now Dorset), England, Dare emigrated to South Australia when a youth.
His health failed, and his friends subscribed the cost of defraying his expenses for a visit to the United States and Great Britain.
[1] While in the United States he preached at Bound Lake camp meeting a sermon remarkable for its eloquence, and for the unction which attended it.
[1] One story related about Dare is that he chaired the church meeting in which Henry Howard first tried to make a public speech, and completely broke down.
[2] The next day, Howard told Dare that in view of his failure, he had resolved never to attempt public speaking again.