David H. Morton was born on February 21, 1886, in Elkton, Kentucky. He spent his formative years in Kentucky, where he developed a love for literature and poetry. Morton's passion for writing led him to pursue a career in the literary arts.
He attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he honed his writing skills and deepened his knowledge of poetry. After completing his education, Morton embarked on a journey that would shape his future as a poet, journalist, and teacher.
After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Morton began working for the Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky. For a decade, he contributed his unique writing style and poetic voice to the publication, earning recognition for his poignant and evocative prose.
In 1921, Morton received the prestigious Golden Rose Award for his poetry collection entitled Ships in the Harbor. This honor solidified his reputation as a talented poet and propelled him into the literary spotlight. Over the years, Morton published several other collections, including Poems of a Lifetime and Poems: 1920-1945, each showcasing his mastery of language and imagery.
Morton's work was influenced by fellow writers such as Dashiell Hammett, the renowned author of The Maltese Falcon. Hammett's gritty and atmospheric storytelling inspired Morton's own poetic style, infusing his work with a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Despite his success as a poet and journalist, Morton remained grounded in his roots. He continued to draw inspiration from his upbringing in Kentucky, infusing his poetry with the essence of his heritage and upbringing.
After teaching high school in New Jersey, Morton accepted a faculty position at Amherst College in Massachusetts in 1924. There, he shared his passion for literature and poetry with his students, shaping the minds of future generations of writers.