Who is Reverend Hare from One Thousand White Women and what is their importance?

Reverend Hare was the Episcopalian priest, who was assigned to accompany the white brides into the wilderness. Described as corpulent and lazy, Hare abused his position as a perceived holy man. He was in service to both his church and the government, but he cowered in fear rather than protect the white women. When a Cheyenne father discovered Hare fornicating with his young son, Hare was whipped mercilessly.