From the estate

The Villa Louis in Wisconsin can be see in its restored condition: check the link for an interactive view of the villa cn the estate. The extent of the grounds and the large house would need the skill of a housekeeper. Miss Mcleod arrived only one year after it was built.

VILLA LOUIS

The Villa Louis, also known as Dousman Mansion

The house is a national historic landmark located on St Feriole island in Prarie du Chien, Wiscosin. Today the site is restored to its appearance in the late 19th Century when it was the house of the estate of the Dousmans family. Elegant house was designed by E Townsend Mix, in 1871. Miss McCloud began working for the family in 1872.

WIKI reference to the household

HERCULES L DOUSMAN was a trader and real-estate speculator who played a large role in the economic development of Wisconsin He is often called Wisconsin's first millionaire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_L._Dousman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_L._Dousman

As Dousman began building his investments during the 1830s, he also began a long affair with a Prairie du Chien woman named Margaret Campbell. Together they had three children: Emily, George, and a third unnamed child who died at birth in 1838. Campbell also died at that time. Dousman would eventually marry Jane Fisher Rolette, the soon-to-be widow of his partner in the trade, Joseph Rolette.
[note here, death in childbirth of his first wife]



Dousman died of heart failure on September 12, 1868. By this time he was regarded as one of Wisconsin's wealthiest and most influential men, and his property passed to his wife Jane and son Louis. Dousman has since been immortalized by the Villa Louis historic site in Prairie du Chien and as the central character of two novels by August Derleth, Bright Journey and The House on the Mound. Dousman is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Prairie du Chien

1872 the aging and infirm Madam Jane Dousman relied upon her Housekeeper

Penelope F. Mcleod

Companion and head Housekeeper

Penelope F. Mcleod

Companion and head Housekeeper

Born in Scotland, McLeod served the Dousmans beginning in 1872, first as a companion for the aging and infirm Madam Jane Dousman and later as Housekeeper.

As Houskeeper she was responsible for all aspects of managing the house and supervised a staff including maids, cooks, waitresses, proters, a laundress and others. Some domestic help lived in. others were day workers, and still others worked on a seasonal or as needed basis.

A young cousin of the Dousman children recalled that “[Miss McLeod] was always counting linen and running and doing things and telling the maids what to do.”

When McLeod died in 1896 we was interred with the Dousmans at their family burial plot in Calvary Cemetery.

Housekeeper and Companion
As housekeeper Miss P F  McCleod was responsible for all aspects of managing the house...

Miss McLeod

Photograph from photograph collection
Villa Louis Praire du Chien Wisconsin GAYLEN R FRYSINGER