In 1932, a 94 year old woman died in New York  City. Her death made national headlines because  
In 1932, a 94 year old woman died in New York  City. Her death made national headlines because  

the woman, Ida Mayfield Wood, who had been  a recluse for the last 24 years of her life,  
the woman, Ida Mayfield Wood, who had been  a recluse for the last 24 years of her life,  

had once been described as the Grand  Dame of New York's glittering 1870s.  
had once been described as the Grand  Dame of New York's glittering 1870s.  

But her death represented more than the passing of  a famous socialite, it represented the beginning  
But her death represented more than the passing of  a famous socialite, it represented the beginning  

of a startling mystery with twists and turns  that were more strange than anyone imagined they  
of a startling mystery with twists and turns  that were more strange than anyone imagined they  

could be. The mystery of Ida Mayfield Wood  is history that deserves to be remembered.
could be. The mystery of Ida Mayfield Wood  is history that deserves to be remembered.

A year before she died, Ida Wood had to do  something she hadn't done in more than two  
A year before she died, Ida Wood had to do  something she hadn't done in more than two  

decades…contact the outside world. In 1931 she  opened the door to her hotel room, room 522 in  
decades…contact the outside world. In 1931 she  opened the door to her hotel room, room 522 in  

The Herald Square hotel and called for a maid. No  maid in years had been able to get into room 552,  
The Herald Square hotel and called for a maid. No  maid in years had been able to get into room 552,  

and clean linens were passed through a barely  cracked door. “My sister is sick. Get a doctor,  
and clean linens were passed through a barely  cracked door. “My sister is sick. Get a doctor,  

I think she's going to die.” Dr Hal Babcock  from a hotel nearby responded, what he found  
I think she's going to die.” Dr Hal Babcock  from a hotel nearby responded, what he found  

was shocking. First there was the 93 year old  Ida Wood, wraith-like with matted white hair.  
was shocking. First there was the 93 year old  Ida Wood, wraith-like with matted white hair.  

“How much are you going to charge?” she demanded  to the Doctor, who told her that he wouldn't  
“How much are you going to charge?” she demanded  to the Doctor, who told her that he wouldn't  

charge anything if she couldn't afford it. “Oh  I'll pay you.” Ida responded, “but I warn you,  
charge anything if she couldn't afford it. “Oh  I'll pay you.” Ida responded, “but I warn you,  

not more than three dollars.” No one besides Ida  and her sisters have been in the room since 1907.  
not more than three dollars.” No one besides Ida  and her sisters have been in the room since 1907.  

The two-room suite was a disaster, full to  the brim of boxes, rubbish and dust. Rolled  
The two-room suite was a disaster, full to  the brim of boxes, rubbish and dust. Rolled  

up carpets, barrels, newspapers and more were  stacked haphazardly in every available space.  
up carpets, barrels, newspapers and more were  stacked haphazardly in every available space.  

A makeshift sofa made of dirty blankets and sheets  sat in one corner. Ids’s sister Mary lay emaciated  
A makeshift sofa made of dirty blankets and sheets  sat in one corner. Ids’s sister Mary lay emaciated  

on a cot in the second room already comatose.  Dr Babcock guessed she weighed only 75 pounds.  
on a cot in the second room already comatose.  Dr Babcock guessed she weighed only 75 pounds.  

Her abdomen was terribly swollen and  the doctor guessed she was dying of  
Her abdomen was terribly swollen and  the doctor guessed she was dying of  

cancer. Within a few minutes she was dead. “Oh  dear” Ida said, “Now she’ll have to be buried,  
cancer. Within a few minutes she was dead. “Oh  dear” Ida said, “Now she’ll have to be buried,  

and that will cost money.” That night was the  first time the hotel manager had ever seen Ida  
and that will cost money.” That night was the  first time the hotel manager had ever seen Ida  

or her sister Mary. In 1928 he had seen Emma,  Ida's daughter, when she had been taken out of  
or her sister Mary. In 1928 he had seen Emma,  Ida's daughter, when she had been taken out of  

the hotel. She later died at a hospital. The  Mayfields had always paid their hotel bill in  
the hotel. She later died at a hospital. The  Mayfields had always paid their hotel bill in  

cash although only reluctantly. The only employee  in the hotel who had ever been inside the room in  
cash although only reluctantly. The only employee  in the hotel who had ever been inside the room in  

decades was William Henry Grant, the night  elevator operator who brought food. Always  
decades was William Henry Grant, the night  elevator operator who brought food. Always  

the same list, bacon, eggs, coffee, crackers,  butter, evaporated milk and fish every few days.  
the same list, bacon, eggs, coffee, crackers,  butter, evaporated milk and fish every few days.  

Every time she gave him money Ida would tell Grant  that it was the last money she had in the world.  
Every time she gave him money Ida would tell Grant  that it was the last money she had in the world.  

But now she had to deal with real problems, and  she was no longer particularly capable of it.  
But now she had to deal with real problems, and  she was no longer particularly capable of it.  

She refused to listen when the Undertaker  arrived, rocking in her chair with her head bowed.  
She refused to listen when the Undertaker  arrived, rocking in her chair with her head bowed.  

She finally suggested they contact Judge Morgan  O'Brien, a former Justice of the New York Supreme  
She finally suggested they contact Judge Morgan  O'Brien, a former Justice of the New York Supreme  

Court and O'Brien was retired, but his son,  a lawyer, stepped in to handle the situation.  
Court and O'Brien was retired, but his son,  a lawyer, stepped in to handle the situation.  

After decades of seclusion Ida Wood was about  to be dragged back into the limelight and her  
After decades of seclusion Ida Wood was about  to be dragged back into the limelight and her  

long-held secrets would soon be revealed. Ida was  stooped like a question mark, in poor health and  
long-held secrets would soon be revealed. Ida was  stooped like a question mark, in poor health and  

beginning to lose her mind. The law firm arranged  for 24-Hour guards in the hotel room and doctors  
beginning to lose her mind. The law firm arranged  for 24-Hour guards in the hotel room and doctors  

to judge her health. They determined she  suffered from a paranoid state of mind in  
to judge her health. They determined she  suffered from a paranoid state of mind in  

the condition of senile deterioration, and she  was declared incompetent by the New York Court.
the condition of senile deterioration, and she  was declared incompetent by the New York Court.

The court appointed her nephew by  marriage Otis Wood to be her guardian.  
The court appointed her nephew by  marriage Otis Wood to be her guardian.  

Hidden about her hotel room Ida had hundreds of  thousands of dollars in bonds and claimed that she  
Hidden about her hotel room Ida had hundreds of  thousands of dollars in bonds and claimed that she  

had 385,000 in cash. She wouldn't let anyone take  it from the room despite, as the law firm claimed,  
had 385,000 in cash. She wouldn't let anyone take  it from the room despite, as the law firm claimed,  

her deafness, blindness and weakness. Meanwhile,  knowledge that Ida was still alive was spreading  
her deafness, blindness and weakness. Meanwhile,  knowledge that Ida was still alive was spreading  

as lawyers searched for her next of kin. Nephews  and grand-nephews along with children from her  
as lawyers searched for her next of kin. Nephews  and grand-nephews along with children from her  

husband Ben's earlier marriages were already  circling. Newspapers were already reporting,  
husband Ben's earlier marriages were already  circling. Newspapers were already reporting,  

Rich Recluse Found in Dingy Suite. They started  digging up her past and the Herald Tribune  
Rich Recluse Found in Dingy Suite. They started  digging up her past and the Herald Tribune  

described her as, “A bell from New Orleans  who swept across the social horizon of New  
described her as, “A bell from New Orleans  who swept across the social horizon of New  

York in the 1860s and 70s with bright plumage and  a fragile beauty.” She danced with the late King  
York in the 1860s and 70s with bright plumage and  a fragile beauty.” She danced with the late King  

Edward VII in 1860. On October 6 1931, Otis had  her moved to an identical set of rooms directly  
Edward VII in 1860. On October 6 1931, Otis had  her moved to an identical set of rooms directly  

below hers, she fought the whole way claiming  they're only doing it to steal her money.  
below hers, she fought the whole way claiming  they're only doing it to steal her money.  

Searching through the room afterwards they found  247,000 in cash, later a nurse discovered that Ida  
Searching through the room afterwards they found  247,000 in cash, later a nurse discovered that Ida  

had tied a bag around her waist which held another  500,000 dollars in ten thousand dollar bills.  
had tied a bag around her waist which held another  500,000 dollars in ten thousand dollar bills.  

Diamond necklaces and rings were  found including one in a cracker tin.  
Diamond necklaces and rings were  found including one in a cracker tin.  

Hundreds of people would turn up claiming to be  her nearest relatives, Mayfields from Louisiana  
Hundreds of people would turn up claiming to be  her nearest relatives, Mayfields from Louisiana  

and across the country, Crawfords who claimed  to be related to her maternal grandfather. Every  
and across the country, Crawfords who claimed  to be related to her maternal grandfather. Every  

word she said was recorded by nurses but she  spoke at length, and told conflicting stories.  
word she said was recorded by nurses but she  spoke at length, and told conflicting stories.  

She had a five dollar bill that she kept  like a teddy bear and she wouldn't part with.  
She had a five dollar bill that she kept  like a teddy bear and she wouldn't part with.  

She fought against every attempt to care for her,  and one nurse remarked that “The 94 year old woman  
She fought against every attempt to care for her,  and one nurse remarked that “The 94 year old woman  

had powerful hands. She could have broken  your wrist easily.” she said. In March 1932,  
had powerful hands. She could have broken  your wrist easily.” she said. In March 1932,  

she developed pneumonia and on March 12th she  had a heart attack. She died that afternoon.  
she developed pneumonia and on March 12th she  had a heart attack. She died that afternoon.  

Her death certificate recorded the facts as  they knew them. Father, Thomas Henry Mayfield,  
Her death certificate recorded the facts as  they knew them. Father, Thomas Henry Mayfield,  

mother Ann Mary Crawford. Little did anyone  know how wrong that was. It would take some  
mother Ann Mary Crawford. Little did anyone  know how wrong that was. It would take some  

time to untangle the messy facts of Ida  Wood's life, but eventually painstaking  
time to untangle the messy facts of Ida  Wood's life, but eventually painstaking  

detective work would prove that almost  nothing anyone knew about her was true.
detective work would prove that almost  nothing anyone knew about her was true.

Ida Wood was born Ellen Walsh in Oldham,  Manchester England in 1838, the daughter of Thomas  
Ida Wood was born Ellen Walsh in Oldham,  Manchester England in 1838, the daughter of Thomas  

Walsh and Ann Crawford. Her father immigrated to  Massachusetts and then to San Francisco in 1867.  
Walsh and Ann Crawford. Her father immigrated to  Massachusetts and then to San Francisco in 1867.  

When she appeared in New York City in 1857 at  age 19 she was poor but pretty, and looking  
When she appeared in New York City in 1857 at  age 19 she was poor but pretty, and looking  

for a way up in the world. She quickly identified  Benjamin Wood, a married newspaper magnet and sent  
for a way up in the world. She quickly identified  Benjamin Wood, a married newspaper magnet and sent  

him a daring letter. “Having heard of you often, I  ventured to address you from hearing a young lady,  
him a daring letter. “Having heard of you often, I  ventured to address you from hearing a young lady,  

one of your former loves, speak of you. She  says you are ‘fond of new faces.’ I fancy that  
one of your former loves, speak of you. She  says you are ‘fond of new faces.’ I fancy that  

I am new in the city and affairs de coeur that  I might contract an agreeable intimacy with you.  
I am new in the city and affairs de coeur that  I might contract an agreeable intimacy with you.  

I believe that I'm not extremely bad looking, nor  disagreeable. Perhaps not quite as handsome as the  
I believe that I'm not extremely bad looking, nor  disagreeable. Perhaps not quite as handsome as the  

lady with you at present, but I know a little more  and there's an old saying, ‘Knowledge is power’.”  
lady with you at present, but I know a little more  and there's an old saying, ‘Knowledge is power’.”  

The message apparently intrigued the 37 year  old Wood who met her and found her suitable.  
The message apparently intrigued the 37 year  old Wood who met her and found her suitable.  

She became his mistress and 10 years later his  third wife. On Valentine's Day 1857 Wood wrote  
She became his mistress and 10 years later his  third wife. On Valentine's Day 1857 Wood wrote  

Ida an acrostic love poem which called her, “Ida  with the lovely eyes.” As his mistress she entered  
Ida an acrostic love poem which called her, “Ida  with the lovely eyes.” As his mistress she entered  

the top of New York Society, she met Prince Albert  Edward, later King Edward VII, when he visited New  
the top of New York Society, she met Prince Albert  Edward, later King Edward VII, when he visited New  

York in 1860 in an extremely exclusive event, and  Abraham Lincoln as he traveled to Washington as  
York in 1860 in an extremely exclusive event, and  Abraham Lincoln as he traveled to Washington as  

President-Elect. She met several more presidents  including Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison,  
President-Elect. She met several more presidents  including Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison,  

as well as the French Empress Eugenie.  Though she claimed to be the daughter of  
as well as the French Empress Eugenie.  Though she claimed to be the daughter of  

a sugar planter Henry Mayfield she never seemed  to have spoken with a Louisiana accent and for a  
a sugar planter Henry Mayfield she never seemed  to have spoken with a Louisiana accent and for a  

time before they were married she went by the  name Mrs Harvey, though it isn't clear why.  
time before they were married she went by the  name Mrs Harvey, though it isn't clear why.  

Ida seems always to have been best at saving money  while Ben was an incorrigible gambler. He even bet  
Ida seems always to have been best at saving money  while Ben was an incorrigible gambler. He even bet  

his newspaper on a single hand in a game  of cards, a hand he fortunately won. He  
his newspaper on a single hand in a game  of cards, a hand he fortunately won. He  

would often sign letters apologizing to Ida  ‘Unfortunately for you, your husband Ben’.  
would often sign letters apologizing to Ida  ‘Unfortunately for you, your husband Ben’.  

According to popular stories Ida would sometimes  wait outside the club while he gambled so that  
According to popular stories Ida would sometimes  wait outside the club while he gambled so that  

if he won she could demand a share. She wouldn't  bother him about the gambling, she told him, as  
if he won she could demand a share. She wouldn't  bother him about the gambling, she told him, as  

long as he gave her half his winnings and covered  his own losses. They had a daughter together,  
long as he gave her half his winnings and covered  his own losses. They had a daughter together,  

Emma, who was born before they were married. Ida  had a sister Mary took on the Mayfield name just  
Emma, who was born before they were married. Ida  had a sister Mary took on the Mayfield name just  

like Ida. However, like so many things it turns  out that Emma was not only not Ben's daughter, she  
like Ida. However, like so many things it turns  out that Emma was not only not Ben's daughter, she  

wasn't even Ida's daughter. According to a letter  found in her effects Ben had adopted and treated  
wasn't even Ida's daughter. According to a letter  found in her effects Ben had adopted and treated  

Emma as his daughter, but she was actually Ida's  sister. A fact apparently kept from Emma. Life was  
Emma as his daughter, but she was actually Ida's  sister. A fact apparently kept from Emma. Life was  

hardly without its storms, in addition to gambling  Ben was an ardent secessionist and his paper the  
hardly without its storms, in addition to gambling  Ben was an ardent secessionist and his paper the  

New York Daily News championed the cause. Her  brother-in-law Fernando Wood, Mayor of New York  
New York Daily News championed the cause. Her  brother-in-law Fernando Wood, Mayor of New York  

City had declared that New York should become a  Sovereign Free City and secede like the South.  
City had declared that New York should become a  Sovereign Free City and secede like the South.  

The meeting with Lincoln, who Fernando refused  to refer to as Mr President, was likely frosty.  
The meeting with Lincoln, who Fernando refused  to refer to as Mr President, was likely frosty.  

Ben was elected to New York's Third District  in 1861 and the Daily News became so viciously  
Ben was elected to New York's Third District  in 1861 and the Daily News became so viciously  

anti-union that Lincoln's Administration barred it  from being carried by the post office. They even  
anti-union that Lincoln's Administration barred it  from being carried by the post office. They even  

seized copies of the paper sent out to the city  on trains. Indeed The Daily News helped to stir up  
seized copies of the paper sent out to the city  on trains. Indeed The Daily News helped to stir up  

the New York City draft riots. And after the war  the paper was incredibly successful and for a time  
the New York City draft riots. And after the war  the paper was incredibly successful and for a time  

advertised as having the largest circulation  of any Daily Newspaper in the United States.
advertised as having the largest circulation  of any Daily Newspaper in the United States.

When Benjamin died in 1900, Ida became the  New York Daily News's editor. She fared  
When Benjamin died in 1900, Ida became the  New York Daily News's editor. She fared  

badly alienating the staff and firing most of the  reporters and editors, she still managed to sell  
badly alienating the staff and firing most of the  reporters and editors, she still managed to sell  

the paper in 1901 for 340,000 in thousand dollar  bills. Between 1901 and 1907, Mary, Emma and Ida  
the paper in 1901 for 340,000 in thousand dollar  bills. Between 1901 and 1907, Mary, Emma and Ida  

traveled the world. They took soap from hotels  they visited and entire boxes of the collected  
traveled the world. They took soap from hotels  they visited and entire boxes of the collected  

soap were found after her death. Ida seemed to  develop a horrible fear of dying in poverty,  
soap were found after her death. Ida seemed to  develop a horrible fear of dying in poverty,  

and in 1907, hearing unsettling news about the  Panic of 1907 she rushed to the bank to save her  
and in 1907, hearing unsettling news about the  Panic of 1907 she rushed to the bank to save her  

money from a collapsing economy. She arrived at  the bank and demanded the money, nearly a million  
money from a collapsing economy. She arrived at  the bank and demanded the money, nearly a million  

dollars in cash, be withdrawn immediately. The  sum was so large that the bank refused to obey,  
dollars in cash, be withdrawn immediately. The  sum was so large that the bank refused to obey,  

reassuring her that the money was safe and that  she couldn't just walk away with such a large  
reassuring her that the money was safe and that  she couldn't just walk away with such a large  

sum in cash, but she threatened them telling them  she would tell every newspaper that the bank would  
sum in cash, but she threatened them telling them  she would tell every newspaper that the bank would  

not, or could not cover its liabilities. She  walked out with a bag full of cash. From then  
not, or could not cover its liabilities. She  walked out with a bag full of cash. From then  

on the money remained in a safety deposit box  which was occasionally opened, always by Mary.  
on the money remained in a safety deposit box  which was occasionally opened, always by Mary.  

She seemed to have already been growing paranoid  and in late 1907, she moved with her sisters to  
She seemed to have already been growing paranoid  and in late 1907, she moved with her sisters to  

The Herald Square hotel. To trick anyone following  her she registered as a resident of Philadelphia.  
The Herald Square hotel. To trick anyone following  her she registered as a resident of Philadelphia.  

While her sisters occasionally left the room,  especially Mary, Ida herself happily spiraled  
While her sisters occasionally left the room,  especially Mary, Ida herself happily spiraled  

into the life of a recluse. Emma died in 1928,  Mary in 1931, and finally Ida herself in 1932.
into the life of a recluse. Emma died in 1928,  Mary in 1931, and finally Ida herself in 1932.

Ida's will left everything to Mary and Emma and  the legal battle regarding her money would drag  
Ida's will left everything to Mary and Emma and  the legal battle regarding her money would drag  

on after. The will was not probated and instead  the state took over, appointing Joseph A Cox,  
on after. The will was not probated and instead  the state took over, appointing Joseph A Cox,  

the public administrator to administer  the will and determine the nearest kin.  
the public administrator to administer  the will and determine the nearest kin.  

Cox had the unenviable job of digging through  decades of correspondence and papers, as well  
Cox had the unenviable job of digging through  decades of correspondence and papers, as well  

as hundreds of letters from people claiming to be  Ida’s kin all over the country. Ultimately 1,100  
as hundreds of letters from people claiming to be  Ida’s kin all over the country. Ultimately 1,100  

people would make a claim on Ida's fortune  and one would even produce a forged will.  
people would make a claim on Ida's fortune  and one would even produce a forged will.  

Discovering Ida's identity was no easy task. Cox  tracked records and letters, and poured over the  
Discovering Ida's identity was no easy task. Cox  tracked records and letters, and poured over the  

extensive notes nurses had taken during Ida's  last months. Persistence and copious notes taken  
extensive notes nurses had taken during Ida's  last months. Persistence and copious notes taken  

by Ida among her possessions left clues, which  firmly connected Ellen Walsh and Ida Mayfield.  
by Ida among her possessions left clues, which  firmly connected Ellen Walsh and Ida Mayfield.  

Through her conversation with nurses Cox tracked  down her father who had died in San Francisco.  
Through her conversation with nurses Cox tracked  down her father who had died in San Francisco.  

They found a monument in New York City where  Ida had buried her mother and a brother. Cox  
They found a monument in New York City where  Ida had buried her mother and a brother. Cox  

discovered that around 1865 the remaining  family, Ida’s mother and siblings Emma,  
discovered that around 1865 the remaining  family, Ida’s mother and siblings Emma,  

Mary and Michael went to New York to join Ida and  all of them had changed their names to Mayfield.  
Mary and Michael went to New York to join Ida and  all of them had changed their names to Mayfield.  

Ultimately the big break actually came  from an employee in a firm representing  
Ultimately the big break actually came  from an employee in a firm representing  

Otis Wood, a former newspaperman, he had the  idea of running a large ad, including pictures,  
Otis Wood, a former newspaperman, he had the  idea of running a large ad, including pictures,  

in the Boston Globe seeking information to  which he added the apparently made-up claim  
in the Boston Globe seeking information to  which he added the apparently made-up claim  

that Ida had promised her money to her uncle's  children. Cox used that information to track  
that Ida had promised her money to her uncle's  children. Cox used that information to track  

more hints in England and Ireland and eventually  succeeded in identifying 10 relatives in England,  
more hints in England and Ireland and eventually  succeeded in identifying 10 relatives in England,  

Ireland and the United States who  would receive her inheritance.
Ireland and the United States who  would receive her inheritance.

There's still questions  that haven't been answered,  
There's still questions  that haven't been answered,  

for example what is her connection to or  how did she even know about Henry Mayfield?  
for example what is her connection to or  how did she even know about Henry Mayfield?  

And of course there's that note of tragedy  that her paranoia meant that she spent the  
And of course there's that note of tragedy  that her paranoia meant that she spent the  

last decades of her life as a recluse, she didn't  even leave to attend Emma or Mary's funerals.  
last decades of her life as a recluse, she didn't  even leave to attend Emma or Mary's funerals.  

Of course no one else did either. But maybe  that's the way that she wanted it. If she  
Of course no one else did either. But maybe  that's the way that she wanted it. If she  

hadn't been forced to call a doctor to tend to her  ailing sister, maybe she would have just passed  
hadn't been forced to call a doctor to tend to her  ailing sister, maybe she would have just passed  

away in anonymity, and all those secrets that  she kept for so long would have stayed buried.
away in anonymity, and all those secrets that  she kept for so long would have stayed buried.

I hope you enjoyed watching this episode of the  History Guy and if you did please feel free to  
I hope you enjoyed watching this episode of the  History Guy and if you did please feel free to  

like and subscribe, and share the History Guy  with your friends. And if you also believe that  
like and subscribe, and share the History Guy  with your friends. And if you also believe that  

history deserves to be remembered then you can  support the History Guy as a member on YouTube,  
history deserves to be remembered then you can  support the History Guy as a member on YouTube,  

a supporter of our community, at locals  or as a patron on Patreon. You can also  
a supporter of our community, at locals  or as a patron on Patreon. You can also  

check out our great merchandise shop or book a  special message from the History Guy on Cameo.
check out our great merchandise shop or book a  special message from the History Guy on Cameo.