A little about me.

I am an avid outdoorsman, a history nut, mainly the French and Indian war, and an avid re-enactor and the pictures that follow will show that.  First is a picture of my wife, daughter and I at Ft Frederick in 2009.

Next is a picture of me As a Lenape renactor at Old bedford village in 2010

Lastly a picture of me at Ft Frederick Market Faire in 2012

I'm am a native of North Eastern Pennsylvania, grew up just the other side of the Muncy Creek from Muncy, PA.  I started shooting black powder about 35 years ago with my father who inspired me to start making simple powder horns and doing scrimshaw. I continued to pursue my love of art until leaving PA to serve my country from 1986-92. After returning from Desert Storm, I became a correctional officer in 1994 going from state to federal service in 1998 where I still work.  In 1998 I met and eventually married the girl next door who grew up 2 miles from me and we have been married for 12 years. We live on 11 acres in a house built in 1863 with our 10 year old daughter just outside a little village called Pennsdale.

In 2004, I began participating in French and Indian War re-enactments which also renewed my interest in making powder horns.  While researching for a horn in 2009, I stumbled across information for the Honourable Company of Horner’s and finally joined this prestigious group of folks in 2011.  Since attending my first HCH conference, I have completely let the thirst for this ancient craft consume me and spend countless hours doing research and tinkering away in my 1863 basement workshop making pieces both contemporary and historical as well as wing bone turkey calls, and other fine accoutrements from horn, bone, and wood.  When not at work or in my workshop, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and attending various re-enactments and horning events with my family and friends.  I continue to work at improving my skills both in scrimshaw and horning and in time hope to leave behind a legacy for my daughter worthy of the craftsmen that have preceded me in this craft.  Awards and events may come and go but they will never match the warmth and satisfaction gained from the friends I have made through this craft and the guild. 

I am currently a Freeman in good standing with the Honourable Company of Horner’s and a current member of the Contemporary Longrifle Association. 

I do this Not only to preserve history but in a literal sense, I am trying to keep a dying art alive through caring hands.  Maybe, someday, just maybe, years from now when I am gone and my ashes have returned to Mother Earth, someone will pick up a horn I have made, show it to their son, daughter, friend and say:  "Hey that's a DeWald horn"

Until next time
Your most humble and obedient servant
John L. DeWald Jr.