This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rdjtaj_1 Surnames: Cressey Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.stanislaus/6555/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Bio ---- FRANK A. CRESSEY.- Not often does it happen that a man's life ebbs to its close at the age of sixty-two years and leaves behind a stainless record for almost a half century of accountability; not often does it happen that a man's business asso- ciates are among the first to declare him one of the noblest of men ; yet this is the character ascribed to Frank A. Cressey, whose death, March 10, 1918, was not only a loss to those of his name, but to the community as well. A descendant of old New England stock, Frank A. Cressey was born in Maine in September, 1856, and during the same year, his father, Calvin J. Cressey, migrated to California, settling in San Francisco, where he was prominent in the banking business, besides taking an active part in local activities; also his vast real estate holdings required much of his attention. The early education of Frank A. Cressey began in the public schools of Modesto, later supplemented with a course at the Santa Clara College. After his graduation, he entered the Grangers' Bank of San Francisco under his father, and was finally promoted to the position of assistant cashier in that institution. He later resigned to enter the manufacturing business and was thus engaged for five years. Returning to Modesto, he entered the Modesto Bank as assistant cashier and director, with which institution he was actively connected for fourteen years. In 1895, he purchased the controlling interest in the Modesto Gas Company and became the president of the 268 ' HISTORY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY company. Meanwhile, he acquired extensive real estate holdings in Merced, Stanislaus and San Luis Obispo counties, which required much effort and intelligent planning. In 1902 he, with W. R. High, I. W. Updike and several other prominent citizens of Modesto and vicinity, organized the Farmers & Merchants Bank, and Mr. Cressey became its first cashier. He was a prominent figure in the activities of Stanislaus County for thirty years. The marriage of Mr. Cressey united him with Miss Emily Collins, a native of Liverpool, England, coming to California with her parent's when eighteen years of age, her father, Joseph C. Collins, being a realtor in San Francisco; she passed away May 15, 1903, the mother of six children, five of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Fraternally Mr. Cressey was active as a Mason and Odd Fellow. He was an official in the Episcopal Church, he and his family being active members of the local organization. His entire life was actuated by high and honorable principles and his activities have been far-reaching and resultant. During the year 1917 he journeyed to the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., in search of relief from an ailment which was considered of a minor nature, but the operation performed did not restore his health and he passed away May 11, 1918. For many years he served the community in various ways, as irrigation director, school trustee, fiduciary agent, and in other responsible capacities, and his demise was a keen loss to the community. Mr. Cressey was identified with that class of men who place integrity, civic pride and public spirit above the more sordid ideas of existence. He found occasion, at various times, to lend his assistance in a practical way toward the promotion of the material welfare of the community in which he resided for so many years, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him best for his splendid traits of character and for the admirable example furnished by his industrious career. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.