Ralph Dayton Cole

Ralph Davis Cole (November 30, 1873 – October 15, 1932) was an American lawyer and politician from Ohio. A Republican, he served three terms as a U.S. Representative, March 4, 1905 to March 3, 1911. He was the brother of Raymond Clinton Cole, who also served in Congress.

A native of Vanlue, Ohio, Cole was raised and educated in Findlay, graduated from Findlay College in 1896, then attended Ada College (now Ohio Northern University). He worked as deputy clerk of Hancock County, Ohio while studying law, and he was admitted to the bar in 1900 and practiced in Findlay.

In addition to practicing law, Cole was active in politics as a Republican and served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1900 to 1904. In 1904 he won election to the United House of Representatives; he was reelected in 1906 and 1908 and served from March 4, 1905 to March 3, 1911. After leaving Congress, Cole was a delegate to several national Republican conventions and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate and governor of Ohio. During World War I, Cole served in combat with the 37th Division and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

In October 1932, Cole was severely injured in an automobile; his injuries proved fatal and he died in Warren, Ohio on October 15, 1932. He was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Early life Ralph D. Cole was born in Vanlue, Ohio on November 30, 1873, a son of John W. Cole and Sarah McRea (or McCree) Cole. He attended the public schools of Findlay, then began attendance at Findlay College, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1896. After graduating, Cole continued his studies at Ada College (now Ohio Northern University).

From 1897 to 1899, Cole served as the deputy clerk of Hancock County, Ohio. In 1916, he served as chairman of the speakers' bureau for the Republican National Committee. He later as the division's assistant adjutant, and he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Following the termination of hostilities, Cole became one of the founders of the American Legion at Paris on February 15, 1919. American Legion Post 3 in Findlay is named in Cole's honor.

Family In 1907, Cole married Blanche Davis of Findlay. They were the parents of a son, Ralph D. Cole Jr.