Hi Peter,
received Samuel Maddocks will today, written 14th January, 1840. Stating on it that the testator (Samuel) died 22nd March 1848. So he was indeed alive in 1841, so why not on the census with his wife.
I love Cheshire County Archives! I ordered the will online for £3.20 (bargain!). It is fantastic if a little hard to read; he left his wife his pew in the parish church.
I don't know who this Walter is though, a trifle young to be a child of theirs ? Not mentioned by name in the will, but mind you neither is Joseph.
Samuel the son is intriging - he is still living at home with Mother Elizabeth at age 30 on the 1841 census(although I believe he was in fact a few years older)and acording to the provision of the will he is to be looked after by his mother and in the event of her death the estate is divided amongst all his children except Samuel. Who is made seperate provision for, 4 shillings a week I believe to be taken from the business he bequeaths to son Charles, to be paid to Samuel until he dies. My thoughts on this was perhaps, Samuel has a disability. He is on the 1871 census living with younger brother Charles family then aged 64.
Sorry I am rambling, but the will got me very excited. It's another 8 years til Samuel senior dies, so where is he in 1841 - suggestions anybody ? Who are Walter's parents? Where is Louisa, because she doesn't die till 1843 and is mentioned in her father's will as an unmarried daughter?
Got to cook kids tea now
Siouxzie