Does anyone enjoy a puzzle?!

[janinez]

Yes you could well be right and it could explain why Jane is with her parents in 1871 too. 

Man you should be a detective 

Janine

[davidft]

Man you should be a detective 

No I don't think so I had to watch Murder on the Orient Express several times before I found out who did it  (Mind that was because people kept distracting me when it was coming to the end of the film. Well that's my excuse and I am sticking to it  )

[Roobarb]

I haven't looked at any of the details of this but it seems to me that the 'Tailor' reference is probably 'Sailor'

As Matthew was an engineer fitter in 1891 this is a job he could easily do on ships ie be away at the time of the census.

That's why I suggested it! I didn't have time to write a full reply but hoped my suggestion would lead you on the right path. I'm pleased it has. 

[esdel]

I agree 100%
Sailor.
That is why he was seldom there on census days!

Sunderland was a major shipping and shipbuilding centre then and many engineers neded to be sailors
esdel

[kittenkat]

Thank you everyone for your time, effort and help.  I still don't have a definite answer, but you have all helped to clarify this.  I think Matthew & Jane named their daughter Ruth Chicken after the Aunt that Matthew lived with, which sorts that puzzle, and I agree that Matthew was probably a Sailor. 
Once again, thanks to all for your input