Sir William Ussher, of Donnybrook

Sir William Ussher, of Donnybrook Castle, born 1561, Clerk of the Council, Constable of Wicklow Castle 1597, in 1602 in Bridgefoot house he printed the first Irish version of the New Testament, died 1637*, age 76 yrs. He was one of the leading gentry of Co. Dublin in 1598.

the Usshers were Protestant, and were translating religious texts into Irish as part of the Protestant mission to translate scripture into the vernacular so the individual could read it and interpret it for himself.

Oddly, Sir William Ussher's death and burial is poorly documented and there are 2 dates that appear in trees and genealogies for him; 1637, 1639 or 1657. It appears the latter may have been caused by a misreading of handwriting, or perhaps a typesetting error. His will was probated in Dublin in 1639 [acts of probate index], so his death definitely occurred by or in this year.
His death and will is referenced in "The Ussher Memoirs", but the year must be an error;
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=1-NrAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcov...
The Ussher Memoirs: Or Genealogical Memoirs of the Ussher Families in Ireland
By William Ball Wright pub 1889
p. 127
Calendar for 1581 p. 318-9, Andrew Trollope writes to Walsingham "My Lord Busshopp of Dublin hath married one daughter to Mr. Cowley, another to Mr Warren, another to Mr Ussher, another to Mr Colcloght and gave 500 pounds a piece in marryage with them"
Also In the Calendar for 1586-88 p. 252 ...the second daughter is married to William Ussher of Dublin, a private man, a citizen and an Alderman's son able to dispend per annum 100 markes and the best part therof is leases"

William Ussher was made Clerk of the Council 22 March 1593/4 and always signed his name Wm. Uscher.

[NOTE - will in probate index for 1639!!] Usher, William, senr, Knt.

p. 137 Sir William Ussher, senior, surviving his eldest son and heir, Arthur, died in Aug 1659 [sic] should be 1639], his will dated 28th Dec 1657 [sic, presumably 1637], being proved 26th August 1659 [sic 1639]. The will, which was nuncupative was proved in the Dub. Dio. Court. "William Ussher, Knt, 26th December 1657 [sic 1637], made his last will, of sound memory though sick. Hee did leave and give to his grandson and heir apparent, Sir William Ussher, Knight, the younger, all his, the said Sir William Ussher, the elder's goods, money, debts, creditts, chattells and other estate whatsoever, which he had not formerlie disposed of by writing and did also then appoint the said Sr. William Ussher, Knt, the younger, his sole executor of his last will and testamement. Present when the above named Sir William Ussher, Knt. the elder, made and declared his last will and testament nuncupative in manner above written, we whose names enssoe. RD Bower, Paul Davys, Phill Bremalle, J. Ussher."

Sources 

1. A Genealogical History of the Dormant: Abeyant, Forfeited, and Extinct ...  By Sir Bernard Burke.  Page 161.  "DAVYS, VISCOUNT MOUNTCASHEL.". Sir Paul Davys, son of John Davys, of Kill.  Married 1st, Margaret, eldest daughter of Arthur Ussher, Esq. Son James, died 1638.  

Links

• http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~usher/usherirl/irltree/24.htm
• http://humphrysfamilytree.com/Fitzwilliam/ussher.html