Background
He was born in Guelph, Upper Canada, the son of Doctor Henry Orton, who came to Upper Canada from England, and Mary Jerram.
He was born in Guelph, Upper Canada, the son of Doctor 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 Street Andrews in Scotland.
He represented Wellington Centre in the Canadian House of Commons from 1874 to 1887 as a Liberal-Conservative. He graduated from the University of Street Andrews School of Medicine with an Doctor of Medicine in 1860. 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.
The community of Orton, Ontario was named in his honour.