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I am totally ignorant about British/Irish military and theatres of conflict about the time in question.

My GGGF William Thomas Wright c1830 is listed as pensioner on first (known) child's baptismal record in 1869 and in Belfast street directories of same era.

Regarding age, at marriage/baptism he stated 1836, death record shows 1829.

He died prior to the 1901 census so I cannot say where he was born. Wife from Antrim.  He appears to have converted to RC as he was baptized same day of marriage 1868.  No civil record of marriage though there is a parish record.

Can anyone guide me on how to proceed? 

What occupations would qualify someone as a pensioner if serving c1854-1868?

Are there records for pension receivers of that era?

Likelihood of serving in British, Irish, Canadian, or American military? 

Any help greatly appreciated.

I remember as a child hearing my grandmother and father discussing a relation who (in my grandmother's view) thought they were above her family's station, read working class.

On her death we found a detailed history she had written of the McQuillan name, not a family history.

Her gandparents were Felix McCauley and Mary Jane Shiels, and Patrick Kelly and ?Mary Ann McAteer.

Her parents, Patrick McCauley c1857 and Rose Kelly c1857, both from Ahoghill. 

I'm puzzled as to why she'd give McQuillan so much time. Can anyone help me make a connection?

My 2xggm was Catherine McManus born Saintfield 1856 to Henry McManus and Jane "McManus".  Two siblings born Saintfield, Mary 1854 and David 1857.

There is a marriage in 1846 of a Harold McManus to Jane Hanna, Ballynahinch which could fit but I can see no others born to this couple from then until Mary's birth in 1854. Have checked familysearch as well.

This family later lived Short Strand, Catherine m James Lundy.  Their daughter Catherine b1884 m Henry Sheils 1912.

In about 1913, Catherine Sheils is listed as the niece of and present at the death of Sophia McManus 55 yo (seen living at 8 White St 1901 with brother John, ages questionable).  Where are the baptismal records for Sophia and John?

Also, Sophia McManus is a witness to 1877 m St Matthew's RC Belfast of Hugh McManus to Mary Anne Cadden, his address Murray's Row, father Henry, aged 24.  Catherine (assuming McManus) Lundy is the sponsor of their first child, John.  Is this another sibling?  Where is his birth/baptismal record?

Am very confused.  Possibly a second marriage?  Did Henry have another first name?  Fresh eyes and any advice on how to proceed greatly appreciated.

Ggf John Charles Sheals bapd 1843 St Pat's RC Belfast.  Father Daniel, mother Esther Kelso.  Can find no record of their marriage.  Unsure but she may have converted.

Hessy's half-brother Edward 26 yo watchmaker of Antrim Town m Matilda McCombe of Larne in 1852 in Glenarm Presbyterian.  His father is listed as Robert, occupation Gentleman. 

Edward d1859 and mentioned Hessy in his 1857 will, at which time he was living in Donaghadee.  In that same will he left money to the 2nd Presbyterian Church and the Wesleyan Methodist, both Antrim Town.

Edward and Matilda McCombe had a son named John Kirk Kelso. 

Hessy seems to have been widowed between 1847 and 1862, as she is seen living in Ballynafeigh (South Belfast) as Hester Shields.  Her son John lived and died in Ballynafeigh.

Hessy and Daniel Sheals had two other known children after John Charles, Eliza 1844 and Anne 1847 (sp Cecilia Mullen), bapd in St Pat's RC Belfast. No idea what happened to Anne, but Eliza moved to Birkenhead with her Rice family and Hessy went with her, and it appears she died there.

Ros Davies shows an Esther Kelso bpt. 23 Dec 1819 (& William bpt. 4 Jun 1820) at Ballyroney Presbyterian Church.  Age is appropriate but father is listed as William not Robert, as on Edward's marriage record. 

I've seen the names Edward and Robert Kelso in the Templepatrick area on land records but have yet to make a connection.  Have only recently cottoned on to the fact that Templepatrick is near Donaghadee! 

My goal is to determine origins of Hessy Kelso, or Daniel Sheals.  Any help greatly appreciated.