Wovoka, also known as Jack Wilson, was a Paiute born in what is now
Esmeralda County, Nevada, in the late 1850s.  In 1889, Wovoka saw visions
that foretold the coming of a messiah who would help the Indians regain
their lost land and bring their dead ancestors back to life.  Wovoka
directed his many followers to sing and dance in preparation for the
event.  The ritual, which included elements from the Christian religion,
was called the Ghost Dance.  Though Wovoka encouraged peace and
cooperation, some saw the Ghost Dance movement as a call to overthrow the
white man.  Increasing fear and mistrust among both whites and Native
Americans led to the Sioux outbreak of 1890, when large groups of Indians
left the reservations and threatened to make war.  Faith i n Wovoka's
prediction was shattered on December 29, 1890, during the bloody massacre
at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota.  Wovoka died in 1932.