Help please in general (re my Jenkins family in particular ) (General)

by janethowell, Saturday, June 14, 2014, 21:18 (3809 days ago)

I'm asking the experts amongst you for some research help - please

I have the marriage certificate of Shadrach Jenkins to Sarah Davies - both born Bream,, married at Lydbrook Primitive Methodists in 1856

I have the baptism of 4 of their 5 children at Forest of Dean Bible Christian Circuit

1857 John JENKINS
1865 Evan Harry JENKINS (should be Evan Neary)
1868 William Thomas JENKINS
1870 Sarah Hannah JENKINS

I have them all together in Bream on the 1871 census (all state born West Dean)
Head Shadrach Jenkins M 39
Wife Sarah Jenkins F 44
Son John Jenkins M 14
Dau Rachel Jenkins F 10
Son Arthur Jenkins M 7
Son Evan N Jenkins M 5
son William T m 3
dau Sarah Hannah f 10mths

So far so good ...

But, I can't find any trace of this family at all between 1857 and 1865!

1865 I have a news report of him helping in a mine accident, 1874 on the electoral roll, 1904 trustee of the chapel etc

I can't find any of them on the 1861 census or any trace of Rachel's birth

Has anyone come across this family? Any suggestions where they might have gone?
Could they have travelled for work (Shadrach was a collier all his life)
They were Bible Christians so could it be travelling missionary work (even abroad?)

Any clues for further searches for a novice genealogist would be welcome.

I have no background knowledge of the FoD - I am descended from Shadrach after his emigration to the Staffordshire mines in 1878 - though he did return to Bream to retire and was involved with the Clement's End Chapel to his end in 1913, aged 81 years. He is buried at Parkend. One day I'll come to say hello to him - if there is still a marker stone.

many thanks
Janet