He was reportedly given the "Boston" moniker by miners who felt he had a lighter complexion than the other warriors.

[1] In 1873 he had joined the group led by Kintpuash, and was later involved in a massacre in which fourteen people were killed at Tule Lake.

On April 11, 1873, he was part of a group that murdered Edward Canby.

On October 3, 1873, Boston Charley, Kintpuash, Schonchin John and Black Jim were executed for the murder of Edward Canby.

[2] He reportedly met his execution stoically, asking only for tobacco.