Joseph Ladue

Joseph Francis Ladue (July 28, 1855 – June 27, 1901) was an American prospector, businessman and founder of Dawson City, Yukon, Canada.

In 1876, he found employment in a gold mine in Deadwood, South Dakota, beginning as a general labourer and working his way up to engineer, foreman and superintendent.

[3] He relocated his saw mill to Dawson; it ran continuously night and day in response to the extreme demand.

After a single trip from Seattle to Skagway and Valdez he leased it at $600 per day as a troop transport to the Philippines.

[4][5] Ladue returned to his home town and on December 15, 1897, he married Anna "Kitty" Mason.