SV-252 says he was born in 1835. (Bev Faulkner agrees in SV-708)
SV-149 says he was born in Lee co., VA
1870 VA census indicates he was born in Augusta co., VA. (SV-713)
SV-152 pg 213 says he was born in Augusta co., VA
Edgar Cress says he was born 15 July 1838 in Rockbridge co., VA but property deeds in Augusta co., VA show that Andrew Jackson Cress was living in Augusta co. in the late 1830s. (SV-425 & SV-404 pg 536)
It appears that Henry Allen actually had 2 sons named William since the 1880 Scott co., VA census shows both Williams (aged 9 and 4) living with him with relationship listed as son. However, it is possible that Henry’s 20 year old daughter Nancy gave birth to William at age 16 and her parents raised this 2nd William as if he were there son. See 1880 census (SV-201)
1840 VA census: Living with family in Augusta co. (SV-730)
1850 VA census: Living in Lee co., Va aged 9, with brother, John, mother and 4 other siblings (SV-225 & SV-363 & SV-715)
1860 VA census: Living in Lee co. (SV-730)
Sep. 1861 He enlisted or was drafted into Confederate Army at Camp Lane, Lee co. by M. B. D. Lane. He served untile furlough (sick) in Mar. 1862 in 21st Btn. Va. Inf. He apparently served again as he was captured and escaped at the end of the war. (Service cards #51355755 & 51355845). His regiment became part of the 64th Regiment Va Mounted Infantry which was in action at Cumberland Gap on Sep. 9, 1863. (SV-404 pg 520)
1870 Census: Living in Lee co., VA aged 29 yrs, born Augusta co., VA; with Nancy A. (aged 8) born Lee co., VA; Amanda J. (aged 5) born Lee co., VA; Elizabeth, his mother (aged 62) born Shenandoah, VA and Elizabeth Patton (aged 22) born Alamance, NC. (SV-149 & SV-404 pg 509 & SV-514 & SV-713)
Note: Edgar Cress says in 1870 census he was living in Wise co. (SV-730)
1880 VA census: Living in Scott co., VA (surname Crace) with wife 4 daughters and 2 sons. (SV-314)
Abt 1883 He bought a farm near Jonesville, VA. (SV-404 pg 521)
1900 VA census: Living in Wise co., VA with wife, Lizzie (SV-164 & 201)
It indicates birth date of June 1841
1905 He put the farm up as collateral for a loan by his nephew, Daniel B. Byington.
1907 The debt was paid by Wm Allen Cress and Henry deeded the farm to him. (SV-404 pg 521)
He fought in the Confederate 21st Battalion Virginia Infantry (SV-152 pg 213)
In his last years, Henry lived with his son, Wm Allen Cress. (SV-404 pg 522)
1910 VA census: Living in Wise co. (SV-730)
1920 VA Census (Ancestry.com) D. G. Shoop (58 VA) living in Richmond, Wise Co. with wife, Omandy (55 VA) and father-in-law, H. O. Cress (80 VA).(SV-730)