John Proud was born in 1942 and grew up in the Buffalo area of Western New York. He began building powder horns around 1986. Now he also produces other horn goods such as powder measures, combs, sewing accessories, boxes, and cups. John feels he has apprenticed to everyone in the Honourable Company of Horners, but especially to Roland Cadle and Erwin Tschanz. He became a part-time artisan in 1996 when he retired.

Specific pieces John has made include a rendition of the Thomas Williams powder horn, with which he won '1st Place' at Dixon