Searching for Wovoka, the Paiute messiah

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One of the most fascinating figures in Nevada history was a Paiute religious leader, Wovoka, who was born near Yerington in 1856. Wovoka was raised by a white family, the Wilsons, from whom he took his white name, Jack Wilson.

While living with the Wilsons, who had three sons, Wovoka was exposed to Christian beliefs. Abigail Wilson often read Old Testament stories to the children.

In 1887, Wovoka, whose name is Paiute for “woodcutter,” was chopping trees in the Pine Nut Mountains when he reportedly had a heavenly encounter.

http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20081206/NEWS01/812069983/1045&title=Searching%20for%20Wovoka,%20the%20Paiute%20messiah