Same here Roger. I was having a look at the modern map of the area today and wondering why three, apparently different families named Richards, were living in that small area,( plus Edward Richard of Ystradmeurig having the mill at Swyddffynnon). I haven't been able to link the families together either and I'm hoping that, during the middle 1700's, they didn't intermarry, muddying the waters even more. We have hardly any records of them having children either although I have a David Richards, B1826, Gwnnws, (as an example), with a wife Elizabeth and children named David, Thomas, John, Elizabeth, William and Evan; all familiar names, but of the next generation. Trying to find out who their parents were would be just as difficult.
The new Reverend Edward Richards. The 1727 Will of David Richards, Yeoman of Ynys Perfedd, shows 2 sons, David and Edward. The birthdate for Rev. Edward is too late for this to be him but it could be a son of either of the two brothers.
I think that we've done our best in finding parents for the Rev. John Richards, my x4 Great Grandfather. Of interest is that from 1760, (Birth of Rev. John), right up to recent times, in over 300 entries, there hasn't been a single David amongst them.
Perhaps at this point we should retire from the fray, bruised but undefeated, taking up the hunt after a suitable interval. (Not too long, remember my age).
It's been fun; a lesson in history, dead ends and a salutary warning to those that have been reading this topic that things, sometimes, don't come easy.
Fine regards from Sweden. Peter.