Alfred Cressy was born in England April 29, 1838. His father was a good honest tradesman, who earned enough in early life to retire from business. At the age of sixteen Alfred left home, but the prayers of his parents were daily offered for him for thirty years afterwards. He was educated for a business man at a commercial academy in his native town.

He first settled in this country in Wisconsin. There he became acquainted with and married Hannah Phelps. In the fall of 1856 they came by team to Lyle, where Mrs. Cressy's parents had moved the previous spring. He pre-empted a claim, but sold a part of it and traded the rest for an eight in Austin, which he still owns.

Here in a revival, he became thoroughly awakened, though a formal Christian for seven years. He began studying for the ministry in Austin, and afterwards went to Hamline University, then at Red Wing for a four-year course. The second and fourth years he stood at the head of his class. Rev. Cressy's appointments have been as follows: Princeton, two years; Rockford, three years; Monticello, two years; Shakopee, three years; Morriston and Preston, three years; Winona, three years, and he is now on his second year at Albert Lea. He has always had a full share of preaching at district meetings, camp meetings, and gathered many into church.

His family consists of wife and four living children, all of whom have been helps, not hindrances in his work.

This information is from a book handed down through four generations starting with Jonas Haney (1882- ): Frank Haney (1858-1938): Lenard J. Haney (1892-1975): Agnes Viola Haney Waters (1919).

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Submitted to MnGenWeb by Darrel K. Waters