Paulk was born on 19 July 1809 in Vermont, and raised in St. Lawrence County, New York.
He was a student at Middlebury College from 1830 to 1834, then taught school at Geneva and in Monroe County.
Paulk settled in Allamakee County, Iowa, upon leaving California.
Between 1864 and 1866, Paulk served his second term as a state representative, this time for District 50.
He was subsequently elected to the Iowa Senate from District 41 and remained in office until 1868.