I checked the 1841 census for the township of Stone (the parish of Stone is considerably larger) and right on the last page I found the following family:
Mill Lane, Stone (HO 107 995)
James Whittingham 45 carter BS
Ann 40 BS
George 20 shoe m BS
Ann 15 BS
Mary 10 BS
Wiliam 8 BS
(BS=born Staffs)
Ages were rounded in 1841, so 45 means between 45 and 49. 40 is between 40 and 44.
No sign of Thomas or any Hopkins - although parts of this census are so faint it's difficult to read.
Do you have any further information about Thomas or his wife?
Susan