Hello topmarx
I don't know whether you have considered the possibility that Edwin may have died prior to the marriage of daughter Elizabeth to Samuel in 1852 .
I have come across this twice in my research where the name of the father is recorded in the marriage register and I can prove that he had already died . No mention was made in the register
of that fact .
Please forgive me if you have knowledge that he was definitely alive at the time or after .
I notice that on the Genuki site there is an Edwin CHAPMAN registered as a death in the Manchester area December quarter 1845, but due to the year no age could be given as the recording of ages did not start till 1866 . I cannot see any others that would fit the bill , but it may not be a full list . If you have a possible birth date for Edwin , I would consider writing to the Manchester registrars together with the application form and fee . If they believe that your facts do not match the certificate I have always found that they do not issue it and the fee is returned . I don't suppose that you have anything to lose .
Good luck
Eric