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Charles Boarman HarrisAmerican physician and surgeon.
Date of Birth: 06.11.1857
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Charles Boarman Harris
- Medical Career
- Family and Personal Life
- Other Interests
- Later Years and Legacy
Biography of Charles Boarman Harris
Early Life and EducationCharles Boarman Harris was born in Charles Town, Virginia to Jeremiah Harris, a wealthy merchant and landowner, and Susan Martha Boarman, the daughter of Admiral Charles Boarman. He spent his childhood in Bloomery, Jefferson County, and received his education in Charles Town and Baltimore, Maryland. Harris studied medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore.
Medical Career
After completing his medical education on March 3, 1880, Harris practiced medicine in Martinsburg, West Virginia for 18 months. Following the death of his father in 1881, Harris moved to Dakota, and his widowed mother and siblings joined him shortly after. On January 11, 1883, Harris arrived in Pembina, North Dakota, where he settled and became the first civilian doctor in the county. It was in Pembina that Harris met Catherine Jane Abrams, whom he married on September 29, 1886.
Family and Personal Life
Charles and Catherine had 11 children, but unfortunately, five of them passed away in infancy or adolescence. They had five daughters and one son who survived into adulthood. Initially, Harris built his first home in Pembina out of wood, and their living conditions were modest. Despite the challenges of harsh weather conditions, poor roads, and a lack of telegraph system, Harris continued to serve the community as a doctor. Over the course of his 60-year medical career, he delivered over 3,000 babies.
Other Interests
In addition to his medical practice, Harris became involved in other activities. He served as the president of the local school board for 25 years from 1895. He also owned several farms in the county and managed them personally, generating significant profits, particularly from a large wheat field. Harris' wife, Catherine, was an active Methodist and a prominent community figure, known for her involvement in creating public parks.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1905, Harris opened his own office in downtown Pembina. In 1911, he became the president of the Pembina Trade Bank, a position he held for over 15 years. Harris continued to practice medicine until his death, even at the age of 80. He passed away on January 2, 1942, due to heart problems, making him the oldest practicing physician in the county at the time of his death. Charles Boarman Harris left a lasting impact on the community through his medical practice and contributions to education and banking.
