William Bates Francis (October 25, 1860 – December 5, 1954) was a U.S. Representative from Ohio for two terms from 1911 to 1915.

Born near Updegraff, Ohio, Francis attended the public schools.

He studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1889 and commenced practice in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

He served as member of the board of school examiners of Martins Ferry 1903–1908.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress