Carpenter was born in CO. According to the U.S. Census of 1930, Carpenter lived at 1139 East Glisan Street in a house valued at a significant $40,000; the Census indicated his profession being "architect" and "builder." In 1930, the family was prosperous enough to employ a servant, 23-year-old Virginia Stewart.

Both of Wescott A. Carpenter's parents came from KY.

He married his wife Mabelle (born c. 1899 in Portland, OR) c. 1922. Her father was English-Canadian and her mother came from Portland.

In 1930, Carpenter had 3 children, 2 daughters and a son: Leora L. (born c. 1907 in Portland, OR), Janice E. (born c. 1924 in Portland, OR), and Wescott G. Carpenter (born c. 1922 in Portland, OR).