Hi topmarx,
 Bit of a longshot, but in  the absence of anything else, it might be worth a look:
Family living at Eccles, which I believe is about 4 miles from Manchester, on 1841 census:
HO107  Piece 543  Book 5
Head of  family  Robert Chapman  b.1796
Wife Betty b.1798
several children, one of which is Eliabeth born c.1831
The parents were married at Manchester Cathedral:
Robert Chapman married Elizabeth Crossley
14 Jul 1811  Cathedral Manchester
Batch number: M005464
Father's occupation on 1841 is described as weaver.
This may be Robert in 1851:
HO 107 Piece 2230 Folio 531   Lodger
But, there are one or two other Roberts.
Told you it was a long shot 

Will keep looking.
Kind regards,
Paulene 
