He was born in Guelph, Upper Canada, the son of Dr. Henry Orton, who came to Upper Canada from England, and Mary Jerram. He studied medicine at the College of Surgeons in Dublin and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He graduated from the University of St Andrews School of Medicine with an M.D. in 1860. After practicing in England, Orton returned to Ancaster, Ontario where he set up practice with his brother T.J. Orton, later moving to Fergus. He served as surgeon for the county militia. Orton ran unsuccessfully for a federal seat in 1872. In 1883, he moved to Winnipeg. Orton was surgeon for a brigade which served during the North-West Rebellion. He also served as medical officer for the Canadian Pacific Railway and coroner for British Columbia. Orton married Ann Farmer. He was defeated in a bid for reelection in 1887. Orton also served as reeve for Fergus. In 1888, he was named medical officer for the federal Department of Indian Affairs. He died in Winnipeg at the age of 64.