Aaron was a soldier in King Philip's War, 1675-6, as were his brothers Moses and Samuel. He was made a freeman in 1680, and became prominent in all the affairs of Woburn. By trade he was a housewright and farmer, and also a land speculator.
He was a man of distinction in the town, and wealthy. He gave his children every educational advantage possible at that early day.
Thomas was still a boy when the family came to Clayton. He received his education in the common schools, and in his early boyhood worked upon his father's farm near Clayton. His father, however, soon purchased another farm and upon that land
was built the family residence. It is still (1905) owned by the heirs of the original Thomas Rees. After spending a few years in agricultural pursuits, Thomas learned the trade of a ship chandler. He entered the employ of E. G. Merick, and
also continued with the house after the firm became E. G. Merick & Company. In fact, he remained with the firm until he became a partner, purchasing a fourth interest, and in 1865 he became sole proprietor. Later one-half of this business was
sold to Calvin & Breck, of Washington Island, and Mr. Rees continued in the lumber industry for fifteen years, until the scarcity of timber, together with the passage of an unwise tariff law, caused him to retire from the trade. Not only did
he operate extensively in lumber, but he also constructed a large number of vessels on Washington Island, building large steamers which made the Clay Davison shipyards so celebrated upon the river. The boats were the honest pride of its inland
waters, and reflected great credit upon all concerned in their construction. While actively connected with the lumber interests Mr. Rees owned and operated a steam sawmill where he dressed the pine timber which he cut in logs from the woods
and used as material for boat building. He was also extensively engaged in supplying timber to the trade, and after a time was enabled to construct rafts which he floated down the St. Lawrence river from Quebec. He is a Republican in
politics, and has always taken an active part in the affairs of the organization. in 1883 he disposed of his well established business and has since lived in retirement in the village of Clayton.
1 CMNT Lived in Nebraska
Thomas emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, subsequently removing to New York City, where he remained for a year and then came to Jefferson County, NY, making his way to what was then known as French Creek. The journey
consumed 14 days, he traveling by canal from Albany to Oswego, thence by schooner to Clayton.