Morell was born in Cooperstown, New York. His father was George Morell, the chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. He graduated from the United States Military Academy, first in his class of 56 cadets, in 1835 and was commissioned a brevet second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.
Morell hailed from Cooperstown, New York. His father, George Morell, held the position of chief justice at the Michigan Supreme Court. He graduated at the top of his class from the United States Military Academy in 1835 and was commissioned as a brevet second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.