Charles Harris' father, however, enlisted in the Confederate Army and served as a member of Ashby's Cavalry during the American Civil War.

The fort's doctor provided medical care for the soldiers and its residents, however, there was no physician serving the 4,000 settlers living in Pembina-St. Vincent area at that time.

Their first five children died with only five girls and one boy surviving into adulthood: Gladys, Kathryn J., Pauline, Janette, George, and Mary Margaret Harris.

[1][4] Boarman built his first home out of lumber and lived rough with his only luxuries being a coal stove and hurricane lamps he ordered through the local general store.

[3] As a young doctor traveling the countryside he faced many obstacles including severe weather conditions such as floods and thunderstorms, and especially the harsh winters of the Upper Midwest, as well as poor roads and no telegraph system.

In 1888, he was appointed Pembina Health Officer and remained in this position for nearly five decades; he also spent thirty years as a county medical commissioner examining cases of insanity.

He owned several farms in Pembina County, which he personally managed, and a large wheat field contributing significantly to his income.

[4] In 2007, the ten surviving grandchildren of Charles and Catherine Harris pooled together enough money for a silver level donation to the Pembina Community Center Renovation project in their memory.