New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-22
BENJAMIN WOOD DEAD.
EDITOR AND CHIEF OWNER OF THE
DAILY NEWS" CLOSES A LONG
CAREER

BENJAMIN Wood Editor and chief owner Of The
Nev-York Daily News" died soon after noon yes
terday in mis- home. in the Fifth Avenue Hotel
He had been feeble from advanced age for three or
four years and since his return from Europe on
March 3 1889 ne mas been confined TO his apart
ments in the hotel. For many weeks he had been
growing weaker. His end was peaceful
Mr. Wood was born in Shelbyvile, KY. on Octo-
Der g. 1920 He was the youngest OF three brothers
Henry Fernando and Benjamin, and was OF Quaker
descent. Fernando and Benjamin Wood came 10
this city as young men, and both became prominent
as Democratic politicians Of the city Fernando
Wood was Mayor Of New-York City at one time
and was elected TO Congress. Benjamin Wood was
a1ac-a5 n Congress in The lid New-Tork District
in 1850 and was reelected in 1852 His opposition 10
the Civil War was expressed in several speeches IN
Congress and he argued against the suo1ugatlon OF
the South while declaring his devotion 70 the
Union. A resolution passed in Congress direct
inp the Judiciary Committee TO investigate report
that MI Wood had been engaged IN communlcat-
ing or attempting 10 communicate. important IN
teIicence TO the rebels in arms against the Gov
eminent
NJ WOOD arose and said: Il hope the resolution
O-fu he adopted and I also desire 10 thank the
Government for giving me what they nave Denied
so many others. namely, an opportunity 10 Dc
heard"
The Investigation was not pressed. although Mr..
Wood made repeated demands for a full investisa-
ton.
In 1850 Mr. Wood purchased The NewYork Daily
News.
morning Der ocratic newspaper al the time On
account OF articles in opposition to the war the
newspaper was suppressed by the Government. but
IN 1853 the publication OF the newspaper was re-
sumed Mr.. Wood under suspicion and was
watched closely by Government officials. and
time he narrowly esCa ped account Of arti-
raise the American fag on Fae Daily News build
ing time nearly led &c a riot In the Draft
Riots OF 1859 when the mob attacked The Tribune
bui ding, some OF the rioters made demonstration
against The Times but Mr.. Wood hOuTished
revolver IN he doorway and tod them 70 90 away
edition Of The newspaper which has had long
career OF prosperity
NJ. Wood was married twice. His first wife. u no
died IN la+S. was the mother OF Two sons one OF
whom, Dr.. Benjamin Wood. OF this city. is now
living He then married, October %. 1867.
10 Miss Ida Z. W Mdyheld. daughter OF Henry T.
Mayheld. of Louisiana, and granddaughter OF John
Robert Crawford BY her he had daughter
Emma VINO with her mother survives him. For
a long term Of years the family have made their
the Fifth Avenue Hotel
Mr.. Wood was man of powerful muscular de-
was supercargo on tradlng vessel which made
trips the West Indies and Central America. and
one Of a company Of moss gatherers he explored
the sWdnlpS ana hayOuS OF louisiana BEFORE ne
became prominent in politics and journalism in this
city he connected with well known lottery
company For years he had marked fOndneSs for
playing cards. He a skilful player and
particularly fond OF playing for high stakes. He
a TSenber OF the Manhattan Club and OF the
Colonel William L. Brown has been associated
for years with Mr. Wood in the management OF
the failing health OF Mr. Wood. Colonel Brown has
had almost the entire responsibility for the news
paper. .
to say whether Mr. Woods death would lead TO
any changes IN the conduct Of The Daily News,
but far he could Judge at the present moment
he thought not. As TO the value Of Mr. Woods
estate or as what would he it's probable dis
position ne said he had not the least knowledge