He was from WVa. (SV-831) But this does not agree with census.
1900 census: Living in Johnson co., TN with parents and 3 siblings (SV-241)
1910 Smyth Co., VA Census (Ancestry.com): James L. Cress (40 TN) living in Atkins with wife, Fannie E. (41 VA); married 19 yrs; 7 children, all living; with 6 kids: Samuel W. (18 VA); Arthur G. (14 TN); William R. (12 TN); Carl J. (9 TN); Charles T. (7 TN) and Joseph E. (3 TN).
1930 VA census: Aged 31; living in Smyth Co., VA next to James L. & Fannie Cress; with wife, Beuley (24); dau., Mary E. (7); son, Herman W. (5) and son, William R. (1-8/12). (28). (SV-1043 & SV1314.15))
1931 Smyth Co., VA Deed: W. R. Cress bought labor lien from W. L. Lincoln Co.. (SV-1694.2)