[1] Thomas Rees was born on 9 September 1844 in Lydstep, South Pembrokeshire, Wales, the son of Evan Rees and his wife Elizabeth (née Thomas).

[2][3] Thomas Rees built the now heritage-listed St Pauls Presbyterian Church in Spring Hill from 1887 to 1889.

[4] In 1892 he built the now heritage-listed Roman Catholic St Stephens School in Charlotte Street.

He built the now heritage-listed Spencers Building at 45-51 Edward Street, Brisbane City from 1889 to 1890.

Thomas Rees died on 31 August 1921 at his home Lydstep in Coorparoo.