Born at Sidmouth, Devonshire, England. His family came to America and settled in Detroit about 1855. He worked at his father's restaurant. Later he built, sold and rented small boats.

He built a reputation as a lifesaver. His first recorded rescue was on May 21, 1863. On April 26, 1866, the Detroit and Milwaukee railroad depot and the ferry Windsor burned. He rescued nine people from the water but another sixteen drowned. By 1893 he was credited with saving 135 people from drowning.

He served as an alderman in Detroit. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a noble of the mystic shrine. Horn married Abbie Osborne September 6, 1892.

The citizens of Detroit gave him a gold medal in 1869. Congress honored Horn with a gold medal by resolution June 20, 1874, "in recognition of his heroic exploits in rescuing men, women & children from drowning in Detroit River." The 44 mm medal (Julian LS-14) was by Charles Barber. His original gold medal was stolen by burglars in October 1901 and a duplicate was issued.

He died at home in Detroit, Michigan.

bio: Failor; Loubat; NCAB 13; NUM/NIN 7/94