COLE, Cornelius, senator, born in Lodi, new York, 17 September, 1822. He was graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, in 1847, and, after studying law in the office of William H. Seward, was admitted to the bar. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, and, after working a year in the gold mines, began the practice of law. He was district attorney of Sacramento City and county from 1859 till 1862, was a member of the National republican committee from 1856 till 1860, and during the latter year edited a newspaper. He then removed to Santa Cruz, and was a representative from California in the 38th congress as a union republican, serving from 7 December, 1863, till 3 March, 1865. He was elected United States senator to succeed James A. McDougall, democrat, serving from 4 March, 1867, till 3 March, 1873.