Genealogy Chat

Hello, My gr-grandparents John Todd and Catherine Coyle were married in Lancaster on 29th Jan 1881. Johns father was left blank on the certificate, whilst Catherines was said to be John Coyle (deceased) shoemaker. I have acquired a mountain of info about them after their marriage, but absolutely nothing before that date.
On the census returns of 1881,1891 and 1901, John always states that he was born in Penrith, Cumberland and his age suggests about 1853/4. There is a birth record for a John Todd born in Penrith Workhouse in 1853 naming his mother, Elizabeth, and I have also found a "bastardy bond" relating to him naming his father.
The problem is that none of these people appear in the 1861 or 1871 census, I cant even be sure this is the right John Todd.
Has anyone else had people in this situation vanish in the mid 19th century only to re-appear 20 or 30 years later?
I would be sincerely grateful for any suggestions.
Thank You,
David

I wonder if his mother remarried and he appears in the census under her married name?

Thanks K I'll have a look at that one