James L. Cole

James Lawrence Cole (c. 1814 – February 14, 1883)[1] was a Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from April 6, 1857 to March 12, 1860,[2][3] and officially from 1863 to 1865, although the court did not meet during the latter period.[4]

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cole became a District Attorney in Louisiana's Historic Fifth Judicial District, covering Lafourche Parish, around 1846, and became a judge of that district around 1856.[2] He initially served on the Louisiana Supreme Court from April 6, 1857 to March 12, 1860.[2] During the American Civil War, Union forces occupied New Orleans attempted to reorganize the Judiciary, appointing Cole to his former position, but the court never actually organized.[4] Cole was also active in the Louisiana state teachers' association,[2] and later served as a judge of the Louisiana Historic Twenty-Third Judicial District, covering Iberville Parish, from 1880 until his death in 1883.[2] He was noted for his extensive knowledge of Louisiana history and customs, and occasionally wrote newspaper pieces recounting these.[1]

Cole "died suddenly" in New Orleans,[1] and his body was transported to Iberville Parish for burial.[5]