What happened to Joshua Thomas, tailor, living on Moor St in 1871?

[rkive82]

Family records have Joshua Thomas as born 25th March 1838 in Pantglas, Carmarthenshire, the son of Rev Thomas Thomas 1781-1862.
In 1871, Joshua is on the census with his wife Eliza (Elizabeth Sarah née Jones), his daughter Ella and son Ernest Joshua. They are living on Moor Street in Birmingham.
In 1881, Eliza (Elizabeth) is at the same 96 Moor Street address with children Ella, Ernest (not Sarah), Walter, Arthur and Charles. Elizabeth is said to be married, but WHERE IS JOSHUA?
 
I haven't found a death record that fits and haven't found later census records that show our Joshua.
Any help will be appreciated as always.
Was Elizabeth the sister of Susanna Jones who married Charles Coxbell Cattell?
Thanks
Richard aka Rkive

[CaroleW]

In 1891 Elizabeth is a widow

In 1881 she is a milliner and it’s unusual for a married woman with young children to have an occupation.  More usual for widows or deserted wives

[rkive82]

In 1871, Joshua is a tailor and Eliza is a milliner, so the 1881 record is consistent with that.
So Joshua probably  died between 1877 (after the birth of son Charles) and 1891 (since Eliza is a widow). But if Joshua deserted the family, who knows where he went.
I'll add some of the children to my Ancestry tree and see what that gives us.
Thanks
Richard

[CaroleW]

There is a death in 1880 in Carmarthenshire for a Joshua Thomas but age is a couple of years out.  There is also an 1871 entry for a Joshua Thomas in Carmarthen so could be that Joshua’s death and not yours.

Clutching at straws - Just thought he may have been visiting his home town

[Milliepede]

Ella doesn't say her father is deceased when she marries in 1891 but that isn't conclusive evidence. 

[rkive82]

Thanks for your input.
I added the five children of Joshua Thomas and Eliza(beth) Sarah née Jones to my Ancestry tree. It hasn't helped me much so far. Charles Albert born Q Dec 1877 appears to be listed as Charles Herbert on the GRO. Ella stayed connected to her mother but not her father apparently.
It could be that Joshua Thomas just abandoned his family and went under cover, although I'd prefer to think not.
I'll add to this thread if something of interest materialises.
Richard