Hello again! I've decided to have another go at this one.
I haven't got much further I'm afraid - my Boswell tree still consists of Lilian (Lily) Boswell and her mysterious mother, Mary Ellen Boswell.
I apologise in advance for the length of this post, but I've collected quite a lot of info today (thanks Find My Past!).
Mary Ellen #3 (b. 20 June 1881, Liverpool) was the one that we didn't have much info on but, by looking at other members of the family, I've made a link to Wales. (You'll need to read my first post on this topic).
The only Census I've found Mary Ellen Boswell on is the 1891. Here she is living with her paternal grandmother, Sarah Boswell, who is a widow, at Finch Place, Liverpool. Also living at Finch Place in another property are her parents, John Boswell & Mary Ann (Boyd) with their 3 other daughters, Louisa (b.1883), Elizabeth (b.Dec 1888) and Clara P (b. & d. 1891), all born in Liverpool. John is a publisher, born 1854 in Liverpool, as was Mary Ann.
I looked for Sarah (the grandmother) in 1881, and I find her at Blandford Street, Liverpool living with her husband, Henry, and 2 grandchildren - William Boswell (b.1876) & Sarah A Boswell (b.1878), both in Liverpool.
In 1871 Sarah & Henry (the grandparents) are living at St Andrew Street Court, Liverpool with their 2 children - John (b.1854) & Richard (b.1840), & Mary Boswell (Henry's mother) b.1795, all in county.
Back to Mary Ellen's parents - the only other census I can find them on is the 1901 at 48 Travers Street, Liverpool. John is a slaterer, and they've only got one child at home, Louise (sic).
On the 1881 Census, William Boswell (one of the grandchildren listed as living with Sarah & Henry) is also with his parents Thomas & Elizabeth at 19 Moville Street, Toxteth Park. (In this one he's William J). Also there is another son, Thomas (b.1880 in Liverpool).
I know this is lengthy, but I'm getting to the Welsh connection now.......
In 1901 I found William living with his wife, Mary Eleanor (nee Jones) b.1874, Mold. William is a Plumber, and they have a son, William C (b.1900, Liverpool). They are living at 30 Brenton Street, Toxteth Park. I also found them on the 1911 living at 7 Admiral Street, Liverpool. They've been married for 14 years with just one child. Mary Eleanor says she was born in "Denbigh Pentre".
Mary Eleanor's parents were Edward Jones (b.1844 Ruthin) & Ann (b.1853 Llanfair). Ruthin is about 40 miles from Llanfairfechan - not sure if this is close enough to be significant, but I think it might be worth considering.
The only problem with Mary Ellen #3 is that she did get married - twice (see reply #8). So, if she did give birth to Lilian in 1904 (just before her 1st husband dies in 1905), why did she register the birth with her maiden name?
Anyway, I hope I haven't bored/confused you too much. I still think there is either a family link with the adoptive parents (Walter & Mary Jane Lyon, nee Poole) or through the Weslyan church where they were married.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter. Thank you for reading this.