He went on to serve in the Kentucky state senate from 1855 to 1859 and was a delegate to the Democtratic National Convention in 1856. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1846. In Congress he served as chairman on the Committee on Mileage. He was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-ninth Congress and served from Mato March 3, 1847.

He was elected to the State house of representatives and served from 1841 to 1843. He is buried in May Cemetery #1 in Prestonsburg, Floyd, Kentucky, United States. John died on Decemin Prestonsburg, Floyd, Kentucky aged 51. John married Elizabeth Lackey (~1814 - 1889) on May He moved to Prestonburg in Floyd County, Kentucky in 1828. His parents were Allen Martin (~1791 - 1848) and Margaret Dickinson (~1794 - <1852). John Preston Martin was born on Octoin Jonesville, Lee, Virginia, United States.