Patrick Hessian, Ballinrobe, father of Denis Hessian b circa 1829

[findingdenis]

Heywood, apologies !  I shall get the hang of this soon (year or two)

Indeed there is no record of Denis in the army apart from census of March 1851, shown as private in 48th at Weedon Barracks.  Plus the military papers WO12/5998  confirming the same. 
Now, I think these army records were at least annual and even every 3 months.  His are specifically Jan 1st to March 31st 1851.  Then he's gone from Army and all records, just his marriage in Jan 1852.  Where he is described by Private 48th.
So, no proof he was even in the Army, post Jan  1852, let alone in the Crimea. 
I just had the idea he went to war, leaving a pregnant wife and never returned.  But I'm thinking it's not that simple!!
As for his father, Patrick, I have some Irish records for his birth, marriage, death and a few grants during the famine.  I have a feeling he never left Ireland.

I must thank you both, I have learnt much more in the last few days than several years of rather annoying searching !!   

Thanks !  Michael

[heywood]

Just one thing which bothers me, on the marriage certificate ‘Pensioner’ usually means a military pensioner, I think.
Where do you have Patrick in those Irish records?

[findingdenis]

Indeed it does say Pensioner.   I have an entry for Patrick as a death record, 1871 age 67 in Ballinrobe.  makes his dob  1804 which looks about right.  Also famine relief loans for Denis in 1841 and 1846. 

Bit light on info for Patrick !     

[heywood]

Thanks, Michael.

Whilst your records may be correct, do be careful. I have had a look at the ones you have in case you want to investigate.
Death of Patrick Hessian 1871 - informant is his son, John. The townland is Dowagh.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1871/020770/7286310.pdf

There is a likely John in 1901 and 1911 censuses.

Griffiths Valuation shows Patrick Hession in Dowagh East. There are more detailed sites re GV but this is easy to see quickly.
https://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/mayo/cong.htm

The Sustainability fund shows 3 Dennis Hession/Hessian records
1846 just shows Mayo but going back one page it is Ballindine.
The other two, 1838 and 1841 are for D H living in Galway.

Irish records can be difficult to work with and I just want you to take care. That’s all. 

[findingdenis]

Heyward,  Thank you very much for all the information.  I am learning that you do indeed need to be careful !
I am very pleased I have pretty well fixed Denis, birth, army, probably gone to Corfu and then disappeared.  I shall research the muster rolls and see if that brings him up.   

Many thanks,  Michael 

[heywood]

I wish you luck. 

[findingdenis]

Heywood,  Thank you, your help has been invaluable,  Michael