Ellen Walsh was born in 1838 in England. She moved to the United States, changed her name,

climbed the social ladder, and wound up an extremely wealthy woman. But in 1907 she abruptly disappeared from public life.

And then, 25 years later, she appeared once again,

and her life became tabloid fodder

that chocked the world.

Learn more about Ida Wood in her very unique life on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Book your ticket to happiness with Sun Express Airlines. The story of Ida Wood is sad and shocking and when the story broke in 1932, it became scandalous.

It all starts with a young girl who was born on January 14, 1838

in the town of Oldham, England.

The woman who became known to the world as Ida Wood was actually born Ellen Walsh.

Her parents were Anne Crawford and Thomas Walsh.

Her father was an Irish peddler who would travel and sell items from town to town.

Her family immigrated to the United States when she was young.

They first landed in Massachusetts, but moved around frequently.

When Ellen's father died in 1864,

he was actually living in San Francisco.

It was in 1857, however, at the age of 19

that Ellen decided to take matters

into her own hands to make a better life for herself.

She moved to New York City.

And the first thing she did was change her name.

She went from Ellen Walsh and became Ida Mayfield.

She reinvented a new history for herself, claiming that she was the daughter of Henry Mayfield,

...