Ralph Dayton Cole

Ralph Dayton Cole served as a Representative from Ohio in the United States Congress from 1905 to 1911. A member of the Republican Party, Ralph Dayton Cole contributed to the legislative process during 3 terms in office.

Ralph Dayton Cole’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Ralph Dayton Cole participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Ralph Dayton 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.