Isaac Morley was born in 1786, in the Atlantic seaboard city of Salem, Massachusetts. He received the common school education provided by the New England Schools. When the time came for his marriage, he was founded in a trade and was a mature man. Like his father, Isaac learned the trade of cooper and wheelwright, learned to plant and sow, to reap a harvest, and to care for cattle and sheep.He served his country with the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812. In 1830 he heard Mormon elders preach the gospel for the first time. He was convinced of the truthfulness of the message and was baptized seven months after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. He was ordained a high priest in June, 1831, and on the day of his ordination, Isaac was called to serve with Edward Partridge in the first presiding bishopric of the Church.