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. Click to hear the inscription.

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 Babbitt’s meat market and the Santa Fe Railroad. Plus, it is said his hands were as big as bear’s 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.

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34° 52.062′ N, 111° 45.726′ W. Marker is in Sedona, Arizona, in Yavapai County. Marker can be reached from N Hwy 89A. Located along the wall within a outdoor mall called The Shops at Hyatt Piñon. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Roads (a few steps from this marker); Cowboys (a few steps from this marker); First Settlers (a few steps from this marker); Heart of Sedona (a few steps from this marker); Sedona Fire & Police Departments (a few steps from this marker); Elvis Plays Sedona (within shouting distance of this marker); The First School (within shouting distance of this marker); Movie Productions (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sedona.

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 26, 2019

2. Historic Sedona Marker

3. Historic Sedona Marker

Bear Howard & Group

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 629 times since then and 203 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.