Alfred's parents, Charles and Jane Wallis, were from Penzance in Cornwall and moved to Devonport, Devon to find work in 1850 where Alfred and his brother Charles were born.
Orangtuanya, Charles dan Jane Wallis berasal dari Penzance di Cornwall yang kemudian pindah ke Devonport, Devon untuk mencari pekerjaan pada tahun 1850 dimana Alfred dan saudara lelakinya Charles kemudian dilahirkan.