Hello Hazel
I have not found a Howells as yet, however My tree in Ystradgynlais is Watkins.
Thomas Watkins was born in Cadoxton (1772) and moved to Ystradgynlais. He married a Mary
Davies also born in Cadoxton (1786).
Children:
Thomas b. Ystrad 1809
Lyzod b. Ystrad 1819 (m. Daniel Jenkins b 1814 Merthyr)
John b. Ystrad 1821
William b. Ystard 1826
Richard b. Ystrad 1827
Mary b. Ystrad 1830.
It's the daughter "Lyzod" caught my eye and the fact the your Howells came
from Cadoxton.
Don't know if there is a connection anywhere, but I'll keep your email just in
case.
John J.
PS: Please visit our genealogy site:
http://www.geocities.com/jomel49