Charles Boarman (pioneer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Boarman
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| Born | October 28, 1828 Martinsburg, Virginia, United States
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| Died | November 22, 1880 (aged 52) |
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Dr. Charles Boarman (born October 28, 1828 – died November 22, 1880) was an important American pioneer and doctor. He was one of the first people to settle in what is now Amador County, California. He worked as the county's first doctor from 1863 until 1880. He also helped start the Society of California Pioneers, a group for people who were among the first to arrive in California. Charles Boarman was the son of a famous Navy officer, Rear Admiral Charles Boarman.
Contents
Who Was Dr. Charles Boarman?
Early Life and Education
Charles Boarman was born in Martinsburg, Virginia, on October 28, 1828. He was one of ten children. His parents were Mary Ann "Nancy" Abell and Charles Boarman, who was a lieutenant in the United States Navy at the time.
Young Charles studied hard and earned a medical degree from Georgetown University. After finishing his studies, he decided to move to California. He was only 23 years old when he made this big journey in 1851.
Moving West and Family Life
Boarman first settled in Sacramento County. Later, he married Mary Anna Hills. Her family was from New England. Her mother's family had come from Wiltshire, England in 1635 to help start Newbury, Massachusetts. Mary Anna's cousin was Samuel Morse, who invented the telegraph!
Charles Boarman and Mary Ann Hills had seven children together. Sadly, one of their children passed away.
A Doctor for the Community
In early 1859, Dr. Boarman and his family moved to Lancha Plana. This was a busy mining town located on the Mokelumne River. They were among the first families to live there permanently in Amador County, California.
Dr. Boarman was a very important person in the community. He was one of the first members of the Amador Society of California Pioneers. He led the first meeting of this group in Jackson, California, on September 9, 1877.
Helping During Tough Times
Dr. Boarman worked as the county doctor for seventeen years. He was known for helping everyone. For example, in the summer of 1859, he and another doctor treated Native Americans who were hurt during a tense time between settlers and local tribes. His wife, Mary Anna, was also praised for her calm actions during this period. She helped keep worried residents from panicking when there was fear of conflict.
Dr. Boarman kept working hard to help people until his death on November 22, 1880. He passed away while fighting a smallpox epidemic, showing his dedication to his patients.
His Legacy
After Charles Boarman died, his wife Mary Ann passed away in San Francisco in December 1897. She was buried next to her husband and mother in Jackson. Their daughter, Emma, and her husband, James J. Wright, lived in the family home. As of 1928, Emma was the last family member still living in the area. Dr. Boarman is remembered as a brave pioneer and a caring doctor who helped build the community in Amador County.
