Ives, Almira Louisa Brooks

Mrs. E.B. Ives
Almira Louisa (Brooks) Ives
May 6, 1833-January 14, 1916


    Mrs. Almira Ives, widow of Edwin B. Ives, for many years a prominent photographer of Niles, passed away shortly after midnight last night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred C. Schmidt on South Third street, where she has been ill since last October.  The cause of death was hardening of the arteries.
    Almira Louisa Brooks was born May 6, 1833 in Buffalo, N.Y. She was married May 5, 1853, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Edwin B. Ives, who died March 18, 1906.
    Mr. and Mrs. Ives moved from Hillsdale, Mich., to Niles in October, 1864.
    Mrs. Ives is survived by three children, L.O. Ives of Montana; Mrs. F.C. Schmidt of Niles and Mrs. Leonide Keating of Chicago; also by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
    The death of Mrs. Ives removes a highly respected pioneer resident of Niles.
    The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon from the home of Mrs. Schmidt.  The service will be private.  (Source: Niles Daily Sun, Friday, January 14, 1916, page 1, col. 4-5, microfilm Niles District Library)


    One of Niles' dear old ladies succumbed this morning. With the passing of Mrs. E.B. Ives the city feels a real personal loss.  To her the passing of years meant only new opportunities of friendship and life never became a burden to her.  She always retained a joyful spirit and the proud, queenly courtesy of her youth.  Much of her time was spent in the out of doors, as long as her health permitted, but her condition for the past several months has caused much concern to her relatives and friends, who feared the worst.  Passersby in Third and Sycamore street will miss the kindly face at the window, which was a kindly countenance, indicative of a peaceful nature and loving heart.
    Almira Louisa Brooks was born in Buffalo, N.Y, May 6, 1833.  In May of 1853, the fifth day, she wedded Edwin Burke Ives, of Ashtabula, Ohio, the couple a little later making their home in Hillsdale, Mich. They moved to Niles in October, 1864, and this city had since been her home, more than half a century.
    On March 18, 1906, her husband passed away, leaving her in the twilight of her life to travel the way alone, without the support upon which she had been accustomed to lean for more than 50 years.  In the declining years she took much comfort in the three children, L.C. Ives, of Montana, Mrs. Leonide Keating of Chicago, and Mrs. Fred C. Schmidt of This city.  The frequent visits of these dear ones were always eagerly awaited and she loved nothing better than to have her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren around her.
    Besides the two daughters and one son, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive, for whom no other can take her place in their lives.  The last services for Mrs. Ives will be held Sunday afternoon and they will be private. The body will be laid to rest beside that of the departed husband.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, January 14, 1915, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)