John Viriamu Jones

John Viriamu Jones (January 2 1856 – June 1 1901), was a Welsh scientist and academic.

John Viriamu Jones was born in Swansea, the son of a notable Independent minister, Thomas Jones. His unusual middle name reflects his father's interest in missionary work, being the Erromanga for "William". His two brothers, David Brynmor Jones and Leifchild Stratten Jones, both achieved prominence in public life.

He obtained his first degree from the University of London at the age of only nineteen, and won a scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford, obtaining first class honours in both mathematics and physics. In 1881, he became principal of Frith College in Sheffield (later the University of Sheffield). In 1883, still in his twenties, he became the first principal of the University of Wales, Cardiff. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1894, and in 1895 he was the first vice-chancellor of the University of Wales. He was an "ex officio" Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford 1897–98.

He died in Geneva, and his body was returned to Wales for burial at St Thomas's Cemetery in Swansea.

ources

* [http://wbo.llgc.org.uk/en/s-JONE-VIR-1856.html Welsh Biography Online]
*Hardy, E. G., "Jesus College" – Appendix III: List of Fellows. (1899) F. E. Robinson & Co., London.