Frank,
I found George W.Lane's date of death from the Federal Judicial Center's website (http://air.fjc.gov) His successor, Richard Bushee, rec'd a recess appointment from President Lincoln to the U.S.District Court on Nov.17,1863, Bushee was then nominated on Jan.5, 1864and confirmed by Congress on Jan.20,1864.
The Galt House burned down in the early morning of Jan.11,1865.
Two bodies were found in the ruins, neither was George Lane. Six guests were unaccounted for. (Which doesn't necessarily say that they died in the fire.) This from the book "Fond Recollections, Sketches of Old Louisville" by Melville O.Briney.
I have requested microfilm of Louisville newspapers that cover both the Nov,1863 and the Jan,1865 time periods to see what other information they may include.
I really don't know enough yet to connect the fire to records that might have been burned up in that fire that would have made the recovery of George Lane's body impossible.
Send me an email with your email address and I'll get intouch with you when I get the microfilm.
Brian Hogan, badger@hiwaay.net