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.
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.
From 1897 to 1899, Cole served as the deputy clerk of Hancock County, Ohio.[1] While working in the clerk's office, he studied law in preparation for a career as an attorney.[1] Cole was admitted to the bar in 1900 and commenced practice in Findlay.[1]
Cole enlisted in the United States Army on June 6, 1917.[1] He served during combat in France as commander of the 112th Military Police Battalion, a unit of the 37th Division.[7] He later as the division's assistant adjutant, and he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.[1][8]
Following the termination of hostilities, Cole became one of the founders of the American Legion at Paris on February 15, 1919.[1] He was honorably discharged from the service April 6, 1919.[1]
Death and legacy
Cole sustained serious injuries in an automobile accident near Parkman, Ohio.[1] They proved fatal and he died in Warren, Ohio, on October 15, 1932.[1] Cole was interred at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.[1]
