The life and career of Charles H. Milby is a fundamental part of the history of Harris County and the East End. Mr. Milby was known for his integrity, vision and great regard for the community. He left a legacy that remains a part of Houston to this day. The Milby family has contributed to the common good of Texas for over a century and a half.

Charles H. Milby was born in Indianola, Texas on August 29, 1852, the seventh and youngest child of William P. and Mary Y. Milby. Charles’ father, Mr. William was a member of the Texas Congress from 1842 to 1844. He was educated in the public county schools and came to Houston as a very young man in 1872. In 1873, he moved to Harrisburg where he became manager of a general store. In 1879, he married Miss Maggie Grant Tod, the daughter of a Texas Navy Commodore. The Milby’s lived at 614 Broadway. Charles and Maggie Milby had a son and a daughter, John and Mary Josephine.

In 1879, Charles Milby and Andrew Dow formed a long partnership that would last over 35 years, as the firm of Milby and Dow. Both men were genuine entrepreneurs who over time were involved in a number of business ventures, such as a brick yard, coal ventures, real estate and banking. Mr. Milby organized the Milby Hotel Company and in 1910 built the Milby Hotel, of which he was the sole owner.

Mr. Milby was always concerned about improving the economy and welfare of his community. He served as a member of the original committee that presented the U.S. Federal Government with the idea of a deep-water port for Houston. He helped secure the right-of-way for many parts of the present Houston Ship Channel and lived to see its completion and operation.

Charles H. Milby died on July 19, 1925, while on vacation in Colorado Springs. His widow lived at the family home at 614 Broadway until she passed away in 1941. She had faithfully taught Sunday school all her life. Mr. and Mrs. Milby’s son and daughter, Mr. John Milby and Mrs. George Hamman, both continued the family tradition of service to the community.

In 1926, Charles H. Milby High School was named in honor of Mr. Milby and his contributions to the area