Aram J. Pothier

Aram J. Pothier

Aram Jules Pothier (born July 26, 1854 in Philimene , Province of Quebec , Canada , †  February 4, 1928 ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Rhode Island from 1909 to 1915 and between 1925 and 1928 .

Early years

Aram Pothier attended Nicolet College in Québec . He then moved to Woonsocket , Rhode Island, where his parents already lived. In his new home he worked at an Institute for Savings and soon became a respected member of the local business community. In 1889 and 1900 he represented Rhode Island at the respective world exhibitions in Paris . In doing so, he succeeded in persuading some French textile companies to set up offices in Rhode Island.

Political rise

Pothier's house in Woonsocket

Pothier was a member of the Republican Party . In 1887 he was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives. In 1889 he was the auditor of Woonsocket and from 1894 to 1895 he was mayor of that parish. After serving as Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island from 1897 to 1898 , he retired from politics for a few years and devoted himself to his private affairs. In 1907 he returned to the political scene and became a member of his state's education committee.

Governor of Rhode Island

In 1908 Aram Pothier was elected the new governor of his state. He took office on January 5, 1909 and was re-elected in each of the following years. After a change in the state constitution, he was elected to a two-year term as the first governor of his state in 1912. Overall, he was able to remain in office between January 5, 1909 and January 5, 1915. After his tenure he retired from politics for a few years and became head of the Sparkasse in Woonsocket and the Providence Union Trust Company .

In 1924 he was nominated by his party as a candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election, which he also won. Two years later he was confirmed in this office by the electorate. His second consecutive term began on January 6, 1925 and ended with his death on February 4, 1928. During his years as governor, Rhode Island's labor laws were improved in favor of women and minorities. At that time, compensation for accidents at work was also regulated by law. In addition, a tax commission was set up under his government. In the aforementioned reform of the state constitution, in addition to the extension of the governor's terms of office, the term of office of other state dignitaries was extended to two years. The position of the governor was strengthened with a right of veto. The budget was reformed and the state police were standardized. Aram Pothier died in office. He was married to Francoise de Charmigny.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 4, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Aram Pothier in the National Governors Association (English)
• Aram J. Pothier in the database of Find a Grave (English)