SV-242 says he was born in Hazard, Perry Co., KY
KY Births (Ancestry.com): John Cress; born 4 May 1857 Perry Co.; Father: Henry Cress Mother: Nancy Cress.
1860 KY Census (Ancestry.com): Henry Cress (48 VA) living in Dist. 1, Perry Co. with wife, Nancy (40 KY) and 9 kids: Wm (21 VA); Betty (19 VA); Barbara (17 VA); Lavena (14 KY); Charlott (12 KY); Sally (7 KY); Martha (5 KY); John (3 KY) and J.M.E. (3 KY). Next door is James Cress
1870 KY Census (Ancestry.com): Not found.
1880 KY census: Aged 23 and living in Clay Co., KY with his brother, William’s, family (SV-169 & 345 & SV-672)
1883 John Cress sold 200 ac. on Big Black Mtn (Harlan Co.) to Theodore A. Dodge. (SV-810)
1900 KY census: Living in Leslie Co., KY with wife, Nancy, and 7 children (SV-165)
Elliott Cress signs his surety for Marriage in 1887 - who is he?? (SV-98)
1902 John Cress (now of Leslie Co., formerly of Perry Co.) & wife, Nancy, sold property
(Harlan Co.) to Campbell Slemp for $1. (SV-810)
1910 KY census: Living in Clay Co. John 52; Nancy 39; Richmond 21; Melvina 19; Lincol 18; Polly J. 16; Nervesta 14; Siller 12; Molly 10; Charlie 8; Sarah M. 6; Manda 4; Wm. O. 9/12. (SV-669)
1920 KY census: Aged 65 living in Clay Co. with wife, Nancy (42); son, Charlie (17); dau., Margerette (15); dau., Amandy (13); son, Oliver (11); dau., Hattie (8); G.S., Walter (5) and B.L., Henry Napier (40). (SV-821)
1930 KY census (Ancestry.com): John S. Cress (72 KY), living in Clay Co. with wife, Meda (59 KY); son, Richmond (42 KY), married but no wife listed and son, Oliver (20 KY). (SV-1044)