Career
Born in Hamilton, New York, Madison County, New York, Orton went to Colgate University. In 1850, Orton moved to Beloit, Wisconsin and received his bachelor"s degree from Beloit College. Orton then moved to Darlington, Lafayette County, Wisconsin, studied law, and was admitted to the Wisconsin bar in 1859.
During the American Civil War, Orton was a Democrat.
In 1862, he served as District Attorney of Louisiana Fayette County. He also ran for Wisconsin Attorney General and for the United States House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket.
In 1870, Orton was elected county judge of Louisiana Fayette County as an Independent. He also served as president of the board of education and was University of Wisconsin regent.
In 1899, Orton served in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Republican.
Orton died in Darlington, Wisconsin.
