A native of Vermont was born at Westminster, in that state, January 14, 1822. In September, 1854, he was married to Mary Cordelia Fuqua, of Bedford County, Virginia. In 1855, he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he and his brother purchased a stock of general merchandise and began a business. Soon they branched out establishing stores at other points. During the war they closed the business here and went south to engage in the cotton industry but the rebels made it unprofitable for them and they returned. In 1865, Mr. Carpenter was elected mayor of Cedar Falls, and was the first to serve under the new city organization. In 1869, he was elected to the legislature representing Black Hawk County in the 13th General Assembly, 1870. Mr. Carpenter was elected a member of the board of the soldiers' orphan's home, and, by that board was elected treasurer. He was a member of the Congregational Church.