Erastus Payson Carpenter

Erastus Payson Carpenter (November 23, 1822 – January 31, 1902) was an American politician and businessman in Massachusetts. He lived in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where he was a community leaderr. He was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1872.

Early life and education Born in Foxborough, Massachusetts, to Daniel and Abigail (Payson) Carpenter, his father was a veteran of the War of 1812 and a successful manufacturer and businessman.

Carpenter received his early education in the public schools of Foxborough, and also attended several private and academy schools, including Tolman's private school, Baker's Academy in Dorchester, and Day's Academy in Wrentham. He also studied under the Rev. Mortimer Blake.

Carpenter remained involved in the business until 1861, when he traveled to London and sold the enterprise to Vyse & Company, continuing thereafter as superintendent and manager, and remaining connected with the business until 1870. serving there until 1874. He was chairman of the railroad committee, and was noted for delivering a widely circulated argument on the Hoosac Tunnel project, with 10,000 copies ordered printed by the Senate. The house at 47 Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs was built for him in 1868. It is extant.

He remained involved in business interests, particularly including real estate and construction projects across Massachusetts and nearby regions, including building straw manufacturing facilities, hotels, and other structures in Nantucket, Medfield, Cottage City (later Oak Bluffs), and Shelter Island Park, New York.