A native of Londonderry, Vermont, Gibson graduated from Black River Academy (1891) and Norwich University (BS, 1894, MA, 1896).

While practicing law, he served as Windham County Register of Probate and Deputy Clerk of Vermont's United States District Court.

He served again from 1915 to 1923 and took part in the Pancho Villa Expedition after Joining the 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment as a captain.

Gibson remained in the National Guard after the war, and retired as a colonel after he won a seat in the U.S. House.

In 1912, Gibson became a leader of the Progressive movement in Vermont, but remained loyal to the Republican Party, which enabled him to serve as a bridge between the two groups.

He served as Windham County State's Attorney from 1919 until 1921 and was Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs (chief assistant) at the start of Governor James Hartness's term in 1921.

[5] He attended local schools, and was a graduate of Black River Academy, where his classmates included Calvin Coolidge.

[6] He graduated from Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1894, and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

[13] A Republican, after becoming an attorney he practiced in Brattleboro, where he also served as the Windham County Register of Probate and Deputy Clerk of Vermont's United States District Court.

[22][23] Gibson served as Windham County State's Attorney from 1919 until 1921, and was Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs (chief assistant) to Governor James Hartness in 1921.

The 57th Pioneer Infantry provided replacement troops for the 83rd Division, with Gibson and a handful of soldiers left to reorganize the regiment and prepare it for a scheduled for deployment to the front lines.

[31][32][33] Gibson remained in the National Guard, and retired as a colonel upon winning election to Congress.

[35] In November 1933, Gibson was appointed to the United States Senate, filling the vacancy created by the death of Porter H.

[10] Preston F. Gibson was a lawyer who was active in Republican politics and served as judge of Brattleboro's municipal court.