Jonathan Rees (poet)
Jonathan Rees was a Welsh poet, educationalist, and colliery official who wrote under the pen name Nathan Wyn. He was a prominent figure in Welsh literary circles and a successful competitor at the National Eisteddfod during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Early life and career
Rees was born on 21 August 1841 in Puncheston, Pembrokeshire, the son of James and Eunice Rees. He was the brother of Evan Rees. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Aberdare, and later relocated to Ystrad in 1877.Rees worked as a colliery official at Bodringallt for the remainder of his working life. He was also active in education, serving on the Rhondda School Board for many years.
Literary career
Rees achieved recognition as a poet from a young age and became a highly successful competitor at the National Eisteddfod, winning prizes across various poetic metres during the final thirty years of his life. His most notable achievement came at the Liverpool National Eisteddfod in 1900, where he was awarded six prizes in different competitions.Rees published two collections of poetry Caniadau Nathan Wyn and Munudau Hamddenol. Many of his poems and essays were published in Welsh periodicals including Y Gwladgarwr, Y Geninen, and Cymru .