Frederick E. DuToit

Frederick Eugene DuToit (September 24, 1845 - May 22, 1922), sometimes written as Dutoit or Du Toit, was a Minnesota politician, American Civil War veteran, newspaper printer, and the Mayor of Chaska, Minnesota. During his lifetime DuToit was a member of both the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Senate. DuToit was also elected as the County Commissioner of Carver County, Minnesota, the Sheriff of Carver County, and the Superintendent of Carver County schools.

Early life Frederick Eugene DuToit was born on September 24, 1845, in Harrisville, New York, he was the son of Frederick C. DuToit, a merchant from Moudon, Switzerland, and Eliza Gressett, from France, who were married in France and immigrated to the United States in 1841. DuToit's father relocated to Chaska in Minnesota Territory in 1856. DuToit grew up with a common school education and worked for much of his childhood and early adult years as a printer's devil (an apprentice) for the Belle Plaine Enquirer newspaper of the city of Belle Plaine, Minnesota in neighboring Scott County. Company A was commanded by Captain Luther Loren Baxter who was later a prominent Minnesota politician and wrote for the Glencoe Register newspaper.

DuToit was mustered into service as a Private on October 4, 1861. By December 1862 DuToit had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Company A and had seen action at the Siege of Corinth, the Battle of Iuka, and the Second Battle of Corinth. In October 1862 DuToit was given a field commission to the rank of Second Lieutenant and was transferred to Company C of the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment under his previous company commander, now Colonel, Luther Loren Baxter.

The Chaska Herald

Following the war in 1865 DuToit worked for the Valley Herald newspaper office, eventually becoming the printer, owner, and editor. The Herald was originally created by Charles Adams Warner and Morris Craw Russell of Carver County. In 1866 Warner sold the Herald to DuToit, who worked at the printing office until his death in 1922. Du Toit's son, Frederick, also worked for the Herald for much of his life.

Legacy The Frederick E. DuToit House at 121 North Hickory Street in Chaska The Frederick E. DuToit House in Chaska is located at 121 North Hickory Street. It was constructed in 1870 and is made of the regionally famous Chaska brick. According to the National Register of Historic Places database:"The irregular plan of the house is accentuated by porch projections multi-gabled roof, two story bay window on the front facade, and a portico at the intersection of its two main axes. Decorative features that have been retained since its construction include segmentally arched window hoods and decorative brick panels". The house was listed in 1978 on the National Register of Historic Places and is still maintained as a historical residence.