author
William Thomas Lopp
1864–1939
A missionary, teacher, and government educator in Alaska, he became closely identified with the effort to introduce reindeer herding to Native communities in the far north. He is also remembered for his part in the dramatic Overland Relief Expedition of 1897–1898.
1 Audiobook
White Sox, the story of the reindeer in Alaska
by William Thomas Lopp
About the author
Born in Indiana in 1864, William Thomas Lopp was educated at Hanover College and worked as a teacher and school principal before heading north as a Presbyterian missionary. He spent many years at Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, where he became deeply involved in education and community life.
Lopp is best known for promoting reindeer herding as a practical source of food and livelihood in Alaska. Sources from the University of Oregon describe him as helping establish a reindeer station, serving in government education posts, and contributing to the growth of schools, hospitals, and sanitation systems in northern Alaska. He also took part in the famous Overland Relief Expedition, the 1897–1898 rescue effort that brought reindeer to stranded whalers in the Arctic.
Alongside his public work, he wrote about Alaska as well, including White Sox, the Story of the Reindeer in Alaska. He died in 1939, leaving a legacy tied to missionary work, education, and the history of reindeer herding in Alaska.