John and Tabitha downes 1861

[jrainbrim]

I have found John and Tabitha in 1841, 1851, 1871 and 1881 hut cannot find them in 1861 census. John died before 1891 census.
They lived in Mile end london and both born around 1820. Married in April 1841.
Was there a 1861 census for this area? I've tried looking for both names and their children, Ellen, Tabitha and Matilda.
I have also searched by known addresses in 1851 and 71. Any ideas please. Thank you.

[CaroleW]

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/articles/census-for-england-wales-and-scotland-missing-pieces

Scroll down to see areas missing in 1861

[jrainbrim]

Thanks for that. The area they lived in is not included in the lists. I might look elsewhere!

[Milliepede]

Might they have been in the workhouse and be registered with initials only. 

Long shot but you could look at the census for the local one in 1861 (if not on the missing list) and see if any likely looking family groups come up.

What was the name and birthplace of the child born closest to that census?

Are all the children alive in 1871?

[rosie99]

Additional children John & James on 1871 born c1861 both have pob as Limehouse

[Ladyhawk]

Matilda born 3 rd April 1858 & John Thomas Downes born 19 August 1859
were both baptised same day 8 Jul 1868 Holy Trinity, Mile End Old Town   Tower Hamlets   
abode 33 St Ann’s Rd

digital image available cost £2.50
DOWNES, JOHN  THOMAS     mmn SMITH 
GRO Reference: 1859  S Quarter in STEPNEY  Volume 01C  Page 472

Is this the burial of their daughter?

Tabitha Downs Age   15
Burial 5 Nov 1862 London
Abode John Street Parish Limehouse
London, England, City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Registers, 1841-1966

[amondg]

Daughter Ellen has married Thomas Gay and they are on John Street in 1861.

Enumeration district 7 included John Street, Richard Street, Anchor, William and Rosetta Streets.

ADDED
It's likely Ellen was living with her family and new husband 1861, but her parents and siblings are not recorded.

[amondg]

Not related to the topic but I saw this and wondered if they are related to your family.

The Western Daily Press Bristol 10 September 1878
Woolwich Inquest (Paraphrased)
530 bodies recovered so far.- Accident on the Thames The Princess Alice of the London Steamboat Co.

John Downes Smith, Hosier of High Street Marylebone identified his son Edwin age20, the son's wife was also lost. 

[tazzie]

The marriage is recorded as 27th May 1860.
  Thomas William Guy and Ellen Downes. Fathers Joseph Guy gas fitter and John Downes boiler worker.
 Address for both given as 7 Edward St. Married at St Thomas Stepney.
 John Downes one of the witnesses
  Tazzie