David J. Wood and his wife Rhoda lived happily in Dansville, New York until David's younger brother Isaac came to live with them. In 1855, David died of a mysterious illness. Rhoda died the same way a few days later, and Isaac took control of their estate. When the coroner determined that the Woods died of arsenic poisoning, Isaac was arrested and convicted of Rhoda's murder.
The newspapers called Isaac L. Wood's hanging in 1858 a "theatrical
execution." Sixty witnesses viewed the hanging inside the Genesee jail,
while 500 spectators waited outside. Two military companies maintained order,
and a band was playing. Wood's long-winded, self-righteous last words added to
the drama.
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