James Rees

James Rees (1802–1885) was an American writer, playwright, and editor.

Biography
Rees was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He worked as a salesman, and as a clerk for the United States Post Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rees was co-editor of the Mechanics' Free Press, 1831; and editor of The Dramatic Mirror, 1842; and of The Philanthropist, 1854. He was closely involved with the Home Missionary Society of the City and County of Philadelphia, a Christian evangelist organization.

In 1849 he published the short story "A Christmas Legend", containing the first mention of Mrs. Santa Claus.

He and his wife Anna were the parents of four children, the first two of whom were born in their mother's home state of Louisiana.