Hello Averil,

I couldn't find Dennis in 1881.

You sent me this 1881 census entry for Bridget:
James HAMER Head M Male 28 Bolton, Lancashire, England
Pavior
Margaret HAMER Wife M Female 26 Runcorn, Lancashire, England
Hannah HAMER Daur Female 6 Bolton, Lancashire, England
Scholar
Thomas HAMER Son Male 4 Bolton, Lancashire, England Scholar
James HAMER Son Male 3 Bolton, Lancashire, England
Mary HAMER Daur Female 4 m Sharples, Lancashire, England
Bridget DOHERTY Visitor Female 14 Widnes, Lancashire, England
General Servant
Hannah ENTWISTLE Lodger W Female 58 Sharples, Lancashire,
England Formerly Cotton Operative
Source Information:
Dwelling 20 & 22 Blackn Rd
Census Place Sharples, Lancashire, England
Family History Library Film 1341915
Public Records Office Reference RG11
Piece / Folio 3832 / 23
Page Number 2

In 1871 I had Bridget b.Widnes with her parents at 15 Penn St., Widnes: Dennis Doherty 24 Lab Chemical b.Ireland, and wife Hannah 22 b.Ireland, and children b.Widnes: Margaret 6 scholar, Bridget 4 scholar, Mary 1, and John Thos 7 days. Also in the household are Bridget Doherty 22 widow, boarder, out of employment b. Ireland [perhaps Dennis's sister-in-law?] and Fanny M Doherty daur 1 b.Lancs [can't make out the town - Mane?]. Think she would be Fanny's daughter, being listed under her entry.

I also tried to find their son John Thos (aged 7 days in 1871) in the 1881 census, but no luck.

Are you sure you have the same family? - They look a lot older than before.
Or maybe I've recorded the wrong census for them!

Sue