William received his primary education in Clayton public schools, afterward studying at an academy in Syracuse, NY, and also in the academies of Belleville and Adams. He then returned to Clayton and engaged in the lumber business with his
father, operating also a line of ships of Lake Ontario and other merchantmen. Later he went to Point Medcalf, near Kingston, Canada, where he rafted lumber until 1875, when he returned to Clayton. Here he dealt extensively in black walnut
timber, and at the end of three years obtained a position in the custom house, and was placed in charge of this port and also of that at Cape Vincent. These positions he filled for four years in the most satisfactory and creditable manner.In 1875 he began the study of law with H. E. Morse, of Clayton, and amid the engrossing demands of his other duties steadily pursued it. In 1878 he was admitted to the bar, at once began practice, and for a quarter of a century has
possessed the full confidence both of the public and the profession. He continues his business relations in connection with his legal practice, operating five ships on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Under his superintendence, a
number of houses and business blocks have been erected. As a citizen Mr. Rees has been for a long period prominently identified with township affairs, having been supervisor in 1889; served five terms as president of the village; and for
fifteen years held the office of justice of the peace. He has acted as a delegate to congressional and state conventions, and in 1903 presided at the laying of the cornerstone for the Clayton town hall. He is an active member of the Masonic
fraternity, affiliating with Lodge No. 296, F. and A. M., of which in 1886 he was chosen master, an office which he held continuously for fourteen years. Mr. Rees has also held the office of district grand master, having filled that position
longer than any other incumbent. He is a member of Theresa Chapter, No. 49; of Watertown Commandery; and also of Clayton Lodge, No. 539, I.O.O.F., in which he has been three times noble grand. in politics he is a Republican. He and his
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
1 CMNT says her name was Caswell