Question for Roof Researchers

George Roof & Esther Miller (M: 1834) are my 3rd great grandparents.

In the 1850 Census for Rockingham, VA I cannot find George or Esther. A number of who I believe to be their children are scattered around living with various Miller (Esther’s family presumably) and Click or Glick families. In the 1860 Census many of the children are back living with Esther, but no George.

What possible family tragedy caused the breakup in 1850? Did George die prior to?

I have seen accounts that George fought in the Civil War with some of his sons, but I have to wonder if he lived that long.

Trying to solve this ancestral mystery.
Thanks,

Don Burns