Horton was born in Connecticut. In 1848, he purchased land in this heavily forested area and built a dam across Black Otter Creek to power a sawmill. Water collecting behind Horton's dam formed Black Otter Lake.

Hortonville, named after its founder, quickly developed. Wooden aqueducts were extended from the lake to power the saw, flour, and gristmills. Hotels, general stores, and taverns created the present Main Street. This small community was incorporated as the Village of Hortonville in 1894.

In the early 1850s, Horton headed west. He became a prospector and a tradesman in the San Francisco, California area. In 1867, he took a steamer down the coast and bought land, using his promotional skills to found New San Diego, where he continued to be a colorful character into old age.

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