Outside of politics, Cole worked as a market gardner.

[1] From 1882 to 1894 Cole was a member of the Beverly School Committee.

From 1895 to 1896 he served as president of the city's common council.

From 1903 to 1904 he represented the Second Essex District in the Massachusetts Senate.

From 1908 to 1909 he represented the 5th District on the Massachusetts Governor's Council.