Hello and thank you Casalguidi and Carol,
I had not seen your subsequent posts since I left mine on July 6th.
Used to get notification that something had been added but not any more ??
Your efforts are much appreciated.
I had not mentioned that Wm. Forward (b. Dec. 1842) and wife Caroline (b. Jan. 1840) emigrated to New York State in 1879 - I found them on the 1900 Census which is how I knew these dates of their birth, as well as their children's names and ages. Both children were born in England as mentioned previously - son Henry in Feb. 1866 and daughter Annie in March 1875.
My main objective was to see if William's wife was Caroline SEARS, which has been confirmed now, and I think it safe to say that William Forward born in Benenden. who was age 8 on the 1851 Census, is a match for the one I am looking for, born Dec. 1842.
Now, Casalguidi, I have just looked up the William FORWARD family on the 1881 Census, as you mentioned, and that is most definitely the same couple that I found on the 1900 Census of New York State - it says there that they emigrated in 1879, which is why I had not looked for them in England in 1881.
I believe I found something similar with my Pettett family, also from Cranbrook,
who also emigrated to the U.S. (they also lived in the same area - Golford Road, High Tilt, Cranbrook)
Mary Ann Pettett (nee Breeds) was the sister in law of a Sarah SEARS, who I have been trying to link to the family of Caroline (Sears) Forward.
Your finding the Forwards in that area of Cranbrook on the 1881 Census, is most interesting.
I think it probably a co-incidence about the Butler family but I will keep them in mind.
Thanks again to both of you for all the help.
Cheers,
Foxglove