Born on April 22, 1844, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island,[1] Carpenter moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts and attend the public schools of that city, then completed his basic education in the grammar schools of Providence, Rhode Island.

[2] He graduated from Brown University with honors in 1864, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 18, 1884, and received his commission the same day.

[1] His service terminated on July 31, 1896, due to his death in Katwijk, South Holland, Netherlands.

[3] In Masonry, Carpenter had received the highest honors, having been a 33rd degree Mason for 14 years.