Sedona in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Jessie "Bear" Howard
Historic Sedona
Photographed by Denise Boose, April 26, 2019
1. Historic Sedona Marker
Inscription.
Jessie "Bear" Howard. Historic Sedona. In California, conflicts between sheepherders and cattlemen were common. In a dispute, Jessie Jefferson Howard accidently killed a sheepherder. After turning himself in he was sent to San Quentin. Jessie was able to escape and came to Oak Creek Canyon with his family in 1879. In Arizona, he changed his name to Charley Smith Howard.
Having become a good hunter in California, Jessie got his nickname “Bear” when he began killing bears for the Babbitts meat market and the Santa Fe Railroad. Plus, it is said his hands were as big as bears paws.
The story is told that in his later years, “Bear” told of his incarceration in San Quentin to a man, who unbeknownst to him, was a bounty hunter. Jessie was rearrested and shipped back to California. By this time, he was elderly and the guards felt sorry for him. He was allowed to escape again. This time he returned to Oak Creek Canyon and he died at age 93.
In California, conflicts between sheepherders and cattlemen were common. In a dispute, Jessie Jefferson Howard accidently killed a sheepherder. After turning himself in he was sent to San Quentin. Jessie was able to escape and came to Oak Creek Canyon with his family in 1879. In Arizona, he changed his name to Charley Smith Howard.
Having become a good hunter in California, Jessie got his nickname “Bear” when he began killing bears for the Babbitts meat market and the Santa Fe Railroad. Plus, it is said his hands were as big as bears paws.
The story is told that in his later years, “Bear” told of his incarceration in San Quentin to a man, who unbeknownst to him, was a bounty hunter. Jessie was rearrested and shipped back to California. By this time, he was elderly and the guards felt sorry for him. He was allowed to escape again. This time he returned to Oak Creek Canyon and he died at age 93.
Erected by Sedona Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 34° 52.062′ N, 111° 45.726′ W.
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Marker is in Sedona, Arizona, in Yavapai County. It can be reached from N Hwy 89A. Located along the wall within a outdoor mall called The Shops at Hyatt Piρon. Next to Indian Touch of Sedona shop (C-12). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Hwy 89A, Sedona AZ 86336, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Verde Valley. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 2,035 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
