The 1861 census includes Thomas Howkins, age 39, farmer at Bury Farm (of 620 acres employing 24 men and 6 boys). That is a big farm.
A Lellice(?) Howkins, widow aged 50, was head of the family there in 1841.
I think you need to find the marriage of William Howkin. Below are the registration of his and Lettice's children;
John Howkins the son of William and
Lettice of Thurleigh Beds born 7 Jan 1813.
Also: Elizabeth Howkins born 7 Mar 1814. William born 22 May 1816. William born 22 May 1816. Emma Howkins born 7 Feb 1818. Ancestry NC births. Bedford, Old Meeting House, Mill Lane (Independant). Then registered as
baptised 26 Dec 1827. Ruth Howkins born 22 Sep 1819,
Thomas Howkins born 24 July 1821, Ann Howkins born 26 Jan 1824, Lettuce Howkins born 25 Dec 1825, Hannah Howkins born 25 Apr 1827. All of Thurleigh etc
There was also a Soloman
Hawkins who as a farmer in Keysoe registering children around the same time, who was also a baptist ministier who moved to Blunham. Not sure if he is relevant