Rees Hopkin Rhys

Rees Hopkin Rhys (19 March 1819 – 1899) was an industrialist, landowner and prominent local government figure in the Aberdare area for much of the nineteenth century.

Rhys was born in Llwydcoed and from an early age showed an interest in public affairs.

Rhys was best known in local government as a member of the Aberdare Local Board of Health from its formation in 1854, serving as its chairman from the 1860s until its abolition. As a member of the Local Board, Rhys was instrumental in securing land from the Charity Commissioners where the Aberdare Public Park was developed, and also land for the municipal cemetery. He was also prominent in the development of the water and sewerage schemes for Aberdare. He also served as a member and chairman of the Aberdare Burial Board. He remained a member of the county council until his death.

In 1894 he became an inaugural member and first chairman of the Aberdare Urban District Council.

At the time of his death Rhys was described as a moderate liberal who took little interest in national politics and concentrated on his work on local public bodies.

Rhys was a Unitarian by upbringing, which reflected his family connections with Hen-Dy-Cwrdd, at Llwydcoed. He did, however, grow distant from these connections in his later years.

Rhys died in 1899, aged 81. He was buried in the family grave at Penderyn.