Background
Rees was born at Ton, near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales, and christened in the local Independent chapel.
Rees was born at Ton, near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales, and christened in the local Independent chapel.
From 1819, he was educated for a short time at Lampeter grammar school, under Eliezer Williams, before being educated at home and by his uncle, William Jenkins Rees. He was appointed to a college scholarship in 1825 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1826 and a Master of Arts
He matriculated at Jesus College, Oxford in 1822. degree in 1828. His tutor was Llewelyn Lewellin, who in 1827 was appointed as the first Principal of Street David"s College, Lampeter (which later became the University of Wales, Lampeter). Rees was appointed as lecturer in Welsh and librarian at Street David"s College.
He was elected to a Fellowship of Jesus College in 1828, retaining this position until his death.
He was ordained deacon in 1827 and priest in 1828, becoming rector of Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire in 1832, obtaining a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1837 and being appointed chaplain to the Bishop of Street Davids, John Jenkinson, in 1838. His book, The Welsh Saints, was described by the historian Sir J. East. Lloyd as "full and luminous".
He died suddenly, apparently from overwork, at Newbridge-on-Wye on 20 May 1839 when travelling from Cascob to Lampeter, and was buried at Llandingad.
He was also a member of the committee appointed to revise the Welsh Book of Common Prayer.