Tips on Mid-Eighteenth century English immigrant research?

I have continued my research, and am now dealing with a story that has been ped down through generations in my family. I have finally picked the bits and pieces of facts out of it, and have finally located the person, and found his name. His name was William Henry Kington; (Kinton). They say he changed his name from Kinton to Kington, so I just put that in there. He lived in Stokes County, North Carolina. Born approximately 1827. Married Alicia (Delicia) Wilkins. He was a blacksmith. And died about during the Civil War. How will I be able to find out for sure that he was from England? I am trying to find evidence, but I am new to research in an area like this. My family has been here basically from the start of the United States, and I don't necessarily know how to research immigrant ancestors. Also, I cannot find him in any other records or censuses but the1850 census, so I think he probably came here about 1840-1849. His name likely would have been William Henry Kinton when we came over, because that's the stories his great-granddaughter told me, and also one of his daughter in laws, on her death certificate it said: Ruth Dunlap Kington; Kinton. It almost went out of the way to point that out. Would anyone be willing to give me some tips on researching, at least possible, English ancestors? Thank you for your time, I always value your answers.