Hi Debbie

I am sorry but I think we may be talking about a different couple. I have put down what I know about William and Rachel for you but I have come across nothing to suggest that they were ever in your part of the world. The dates are wrong as well as my William wasn't born until 1856 and Rachel died in 1885 with only 2 surviving children. This is what I know about my William and Rachel:

William Cropper was born c1856

His son William was born 1880

The 1881 Census shows William as a Boot Riveter living at 3 Nether Street, Nether Graveship, Kendal, Westmoreland (now Cumbria) with Rachel, Son William (1yr Old)

Their daughter Mary was born 1883

Rachel died in 1885

The 1891 Census shows William as a Boot Riveter,still at 3 Nether St. He is a widower living with son (William) and daughter (Mary) also his mother (Elizabeth Atkinson), sister Annie (19), Brother George (18), nieces Elizabeth and Emily (12 and 9) and nephews John and Harry (10 and 9). Elizabeth is shown as married (not widowed) but husband is not listed and William is the head of the household.

The 1901 Census shows William as a Licensed Victualer at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, 46 Kirkland, Kendal, Westmoreland(Cumbria). Living with second wife Martha (formerly Simcock), son (William) and daughter (Mary), Marthas children Zachariah and Annie Simcock also nephew John Cropper.

This doesn't seem to fit with what you told me so I guess all I can do is wish you better luck next time.

Cheers
Gail