Morton, who was raised a Quaker but became Episcopalian in midlife, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attended Westtown School, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1820.
Morton, yang dibesarkan seorang Quaker tetapi menjadi Episcopalian di usia pertengahan, lahir di Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, menempuh pendidikan di Westtown School, dan lulus dari University of Pennsylvania pada tahun 1820.