I have had some brilliant help from RootsChat people in tracking this family but now I am totally stuck. Can anyone help either finding or perhaps helping me understand why whole families can disappear for 20 years then reappear? I have trawled every census using different spelling, wild cards etc but they remain hidden. I have listed the info. I have below (sorry its so long) but the essential mystery to me is where did they go for 20 years?
1.1863
On the 13th of December 1863 Patrick Mullaney married Elizabeth Jane Bluett at the registry office in Stoke Damerel Devon.
Rank or Profession;Private in the 2nd Queens Royal Regiment
Residence at time of marriage: Raglan Barracks Devonport
Father’s Name and Surname; John Mullaney
Father’s Rank or Profession; Harness maker (master) Dublin Ireland
2.1865Birth of John Mullaney in Devonport
3.1866Birth of Patrick Mullaney in Elizabeth Cork
4.1867Birth of Robert Alfred Mullaney in Milton. On the 23rd of November 1867 Robert Alfred Mulleney (Mullaney) was born in Church Road, Murston, Sub –district, Milton, Sittingbourne, Kent.Occupation of father;A General Labourer
5.1871The 1871 census records Patrick Mullany (Mullaney) Elizabeth and the children living at 1, Alice Street, Plymouth, Devon. The birthplace of the fourth child Peter (3 months old in census) is recorded as Plymouth.
Rank or Profession (Patrick); Travelling Tinker
Rank or Profession (Elizabeth); Chair caning
This census record is the only source of information on Patrick’s birth place. The script is very difficult to read as the first half of the word is covered by a pencil line. word looks like or could be Castlereah (see copy in documents). Suppose it could be Castlereagh Belfast or Castlereagh Co. Mayo, or Castlerea Roscommon.
RG10; Piece: 2120; Folio: 96; Page:27
No further census records for any of the Mullaneys for 20 years i.e. until 1891. There is a possible record for John in 1881. Living at the Barracks, Barrack St Sunderland Durham John is a Private. RG11; Piece: 5001; Folio:25; Page: 43
6.1885 On the 12th of September 1885 Robert Alfred Mullaney married Sarah Davison at The church of St Albans, Heworth, Durham (Heworth also known as Windy Nook).
Fathers Name and Surname;William Patrick Mullaney Rank or profession; Miner
7.1891censusRobert Alfred Mullaney and family living 3 Oxford St Hindley, Wigan, Lancashire
RG12; Piece: 3058; Folio 122; Page 38
8.1901censusRobert Alfred Mullaney and family living 6 Frank St Monkwearmouth Sunderland Durham, RG13; Piece: 4723; Folio: 244; Page:36
9.1911censusRobert Alfred Mullaney and family living 114 Hood St Monkwearmouth Sunderland Durham