Francis Preston (August 2, 1765 – May 26, 1835) was an American lawyer and politician from Abingdon, Virginia. He was the son of Col. William Preston of Virginia, served in both houses of the state legislature, and represented Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1793 to 1797.^[1] Preston had a house built in Abingdon, now called the Martha Washington Inn. In 1795, while residing at Saltville, he constructed the Preston House.^[2]

Francis Preston
portrait by Matthew Harris Jouett
Member of the Virginia Senate from Botetourt, Cabell, Giles, Grayson, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lee, Mason Monroe, Montgomery, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe Counties
In office 1816–1819
Preceded by	Henley Chapman
Succeeded by	District abolished
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Washington County
In office 1812–1813 Alongside Reuben Bradley
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Montgomery County
In office 1788–1789 Alongside Daniel Trigg, Walter Crockett
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 4th district
In office March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1797
Preceded by	Richard Bland Lee
Succeeded by	Abram Trigg
Personal details
Born	(1765-08-02)August 2, 1765 Greenfield, Virginia
Died	May 26, 1835(1835-05-26) (aged 69) Columbia, South Carolina
Resting place	Seven Mile Ford, Virginia
Political party	Anti-Administration until 1795
Other political affiliations	Democratic-Republican after 1795
Alma mater	The College of William and Mary
Military service
Branch/service	Virginia state militia
Rank	Colonel
Battles/wars	War of 1812

Preston was the father of Isaac Trimble Preston, William Campbell Preston, and John S. Preston and the uncle of William Ballard and William Preston.