Charles E. Mills

Charles E. Mills
Born	Template:Birth date Magnolia, Illinois, U.S.
Died	January 17, 1929(1929-01-17) (aged 61) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, banker, mining engineer
Known for	President of Apache Powder Company and Valley Bank of Arizona

Charles E. Mills (March 30, 1867 – January 17, 1929) was a prominent American entrepreneur and banker. Originally from Illinois and raised in Iowa, Mills utilized his engineering background to contribute significantly to Arizona's mining sector. Apart from two years of study at Harvard University and his military service during the Spanish–American War and World War I, he remained based in Arizona overseeing multiple mining enterprises. Additionally, he ventured into banking and ultimately held the presidency of both the Apache Powder Company and the Valley Bank of Arizona.

Early life and education

Mills was born in Magnolia, Illinois around 1867 or 1868 and grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He completed his education at Cedar Rapids High School followed by the School of Engineering at the State University of Iowa. In 1888, he relocated to the Arizona Territory where he began working at the Copper Queen Mine located in Bisbee. Subsequently, he spent two years at Harvard University focusing on mining and engineering studies.

Mining industry

After returning to Arizona, Mills took on the role of general manager at the Detroit Copper Mining Company in Morenci. When the Spanish American War commenced, he left his position to enlist as a private with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Following his military service, he resumed management duties at Morenci until 1912. At that time, he assumed general management responsibilities for two Miami-based firms: the Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company, where he supervised the construction of an ore processing mill and introduced flotation techniques, and the International Smelting Company, overseeing smelter development.

During World War I, Mills served voluntarily as a "dollar-a-year man" within the US Army Aircraft Department. Post-war, he concentrated on lowering explosives costs for Arizona’s mining operations by founding the Apache Powder Company in rural Cochise County. This cooperative enterprise produced explosives locally to reduce shipping expenses. Mills retained ownership stakes and served as president until his passing. The company grew to become the largest explosives producer in the southwestern United States and ranked among the top nationally.

In addition, Mills maintained mining claims near the Grand Canyon alongside a fellow Rough Riders member.

Banking industry

Parallel to his mining interests, Mills entered the banking sector in 1899 by establishing the Gila Valley Bank in Solomonville, Graham County. This institution expanded to become the territory’s largest branch banking network. By 1908, Mills had acquired majority ownership and was serving as president. In 1914, when Phoenix-based Valley Bank faced financial difficulties, it sought assistance from Gila Valley Bank. Mills engineered a rescue plan that culminated in their 1922 merger forming the Valley Bank of Arizona, which he led as president until his death. This bank remained a leading financial entity in Arizona until its acquisition by Bank One in 1992.

Death

Mills passed away on January 17, 1929, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles.