The one Irret found was born in Barlings, and there are quite a few Espins in the 1851 census in that area. Do you have any information that could narrow down his date of birth, i.e. you say his son Richard was married in 1837 - do you mean that was the year of the wedding or had he perhaps been married a few years? Do you know the name of Richar'd mother?
Here are a couple with mention of Horsington. Do they ring any bells?
In the 1851 Horsington Census (HO107/2107/188/9) there is a Thomas Espin, Master Shoemaker, age 46, born Fiskerton, and wife Elizabeth age 46. Her place of birth looks like 'Bistor' but I would guess it is Boston.
In the 1861 census there is a Richard Espin, also a shoemaker, age 45 and born in Washingborough, Lincoln, and wife Ann, age 46 born Horsington. They have children Joseph 13, Richard 10, William 8 and George 5.
Jill
