Jean-Baptiste began his education in the public school system, which hesubsequently left to enter a parochial school. After the conclusion ofhis studies he took a position as clerk in a grocery store. He laterfound employment in one of the Nashua mills, but soom relinquished thatoccupation in order to resume mercantile business as a clerk in afurniture store. He remained there approximately three years and left toresume working in the mills. After the death of his father, he succeededto the harness making business and remained in that trade until his death.