Jonas Wheeler (1543–1640) was Bishop of Ossory^[1] from 1613^[2] until his death in 1640.^[3]

Wheeler was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford.^[4]

Career

He served as a royal chaplain to Queen Elizabeth I, who is said to have held him in high regard, and to have given him a fine silver coconut cup, which is generally identified as the so-called "Queen Elizabeth's cup" which his descendants later presented to St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny. He continued in office as a royal chaplain under James I.

He held the office of Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin from 1595 until 1618 (the last five years in commendam).^[5] He acquired substantial lands in County Kilkenny.

Family

He married Martha Tucker of Kent.^[6] They had one son:

• Oliver, of Grenane, County Laois-

and six daughters,^[7] including :

• Elizabeth, who married Randolph Barlow, Archbishop of Tuam, and had issue,
• Mary, who married Sir Patrick Wemyss and had issue,
• Sarah, who married firstly Matthew Tyrrell, Mayor of Dublin, and secondly Sir James Donnellan, Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas, by whom she had several children, including Nehemiah Donnellan (1649-1705), Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.

Through his son Oliver, Jonas was the ancestor of the Wheeler-Cuffe Baronets.

He died on 19 April 1640, aged 97. His widow died in 1646.^[8]

He was described as a prelate who was "esteemed for his hospitable and obliging temper", and for his genuine piety.

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