Searching Makings IN Suffolk Changing Surnames from Meakins

I have Fancis Meakins 1803 - 6 married to Lettice 1808 -11 (maiden name not known). I don't know when they were married, it woulf be about 1829. They had 6 children bewteen 1830 and 1850, one being Henry Makings, who I written about previously.

1841 census Meakins
1851 census Makins
1861 census Makings
1871 census Meakings and Makings

I believe Francis's father is Robert Makings (or similar spelling) 1761 born in Stanton. I do not know the name of his wife or when they got married.

How do you search for persons born before 1800's? I can only find family search web site, but this is not complete yet and doesn't contain the persons I am looking for.

Can any one help?

Regards

Stephen Smith