Wescott was born to John, who would become a local politician in New Glarus (town), Wisconsin, and Eunice Wescott on April 18, 1828 in Wethersfield, New York.
Eventually, Wescott started a cattle ranch in Custer County, Nebraska.
In 1886, he established Wescott, Nebraska, where he served as a bank president.
His brothers, Ezra and Jefferson, were also members of the Assembly.
He was first elected to the Senate in 1863, ultimately serving two terms.