Ralph Dayton Cole (November 30, 1873 – October 15, 1932) was an American lawyer and politician from Ohio.

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.

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.

[1][4] After graduating, Cole continued his studies at Ada College (now Ohio Northern University).

[1] After leaving Congress, Cole returned to Ohio, where he resumed the practice of law in Findlay, Toledo, and Columbus.

[11] They were the parents of a son, Ralph D. Cole Jr.[11] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress