A lifelong resident of Woonsocket, and its mayor from 1926 to 1930, J. Hector Paquin has been an important and familiar figure in city affairs for many years. His career includes such varied activities as newspaper reporter and editor, banking official and city clerk, and also from 1926 to 1930, in addition to his civic duties, he retained his position as manager of a broker’s office.
Mr. Paquin was born in Woonsocket, on April 14, 1890, and received his education in local schools. While still a boy he decided upon a newspaper career and, for one year, during 1907 and 1908, was reporter on the old Woonsocket “Reporter.” Thereafter he became associated with the Woonsocket “Call,” winning gradual advancement to the city editor’s desk, which he successfully occupied until December 29, 1915. At that time he was elected deputy city clerk, and was later chosen for the city clerk’s office, serving continuously in that position until August 1, 1925, when he resigned to become manager of the Woonsocket branch of the Union Trust Company. His services in this connection proved of decisive value in the success of the corporation, and he became widely known as one of the most able and progressive executives of the city. On January 1, 1929, he became associated with a large brokerage concern and continued with them until they discontinued their business.
In politics Mr. Paquin is a Republican, and as the standard bearer of his party, was elected to public office in 1926, being called to the highest post of the muncipal government by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens. He was first elected mayor of the city in November, 1926, and reelected in November, 1928, for a further term of two years, serving until 1930. Mr. Paquin has always considered service in the public interest no less worthy of his best attention than his own affairs, and during his term as mayor addressed himself to the duties of his office with efficiency and dispatch. The progressive and highly successful character of his administration is well known and needs no further comment here. Since March 1, 1931, Mr. Paquin has been engaged in the insurance business. He is affiliated fraternally with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Society of St. Jean Baptiste, while he also holds membership in the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Woonsocket Country Club. He is a member of the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce, and of several other local associations of varied nature.
J. Hector Paquin married Violet L’Esperance of this city, and they are now the parents of two children: 1. Jean, died in October, 1930. 2.
Jacquelin. With his family Mr. Paquin worships in the Roman Catholic faith, attending St. Ann’s Church of this denomination in Woonsocket, and contributing liberally to the support of all its work.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.