Chrystal Pond

Description

Chrystal Pond, MSc, is a professional genealogist and historical researcher with experience conducting research throughout the United States and the British Isles. Her research interests include family history, migration, mining communities, and house and property histories. She particularly enjoys complex genealogical problems involving conflicting evidence, elusive ancestors, investigating family traditions and longstanding mysteries, and individuals whose lives have been obscured by incomplete or fragmented historical records.

An experienced paleographer, Chrystal provides transcription, abstracting, and translation of historical documents in English, German, and Latin. Her approach emphasizes careful evidence analysis, original records, and the reconstruction of individuals and families within their historical and social contexts.

Chrystal holds an MSc with Distinction in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde, an AAS in Family History Research from Brigham Young University–Idaho, and a BA in Psychology from Northern Arizona University.

Her master’s dissertation, Death in the Copper State: Genealogical Research into the Lives and Deaths of Arizona Miners, 1916–1929, reconstructed the lives of 700 men killed in Arizona mining accidents. Combining extensive genealogical research with quantitative analysis and historical investigation, the study examined their identities, families, origins, and movements. It also evaluated the completeness and accuracy of the Arizona State Mine Inspector’s Annual Reports, identifying omitted fatalities, conflicting information, and archival gaps affecting Mexican and Spanish-descended miners. The research demonstrated how genealogical methods can recover individual lives and experiences otherwise obscured within historical statistics.

Through her professional practice, Lives Rediscovered — Genealogical & Historical Research, Chrystal provides genealogical investigations, historical research, house and property histories, and paleography services. Her work emphasizes thorough documentation, sound conclusions, and the stories behind the records.

Chrystal can be contacted at chrystalpond@yahoo.com.