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Meet John A. Sellers, a proud fifth-generation Texan hailing from Hopkins County. He graduated from Texas Tech University, earning a degree in advertising and public relations. Additionally, he obtained a teaching certificate in history from Texas A&M University, Commerce. John’s passion for genealogy began in 1985, and he has since become an avid genealogical researcher, particularly drawn to exploring courthouse records. His journeys have taken him to various southern states, where he has conducted extensive research, with a strong focus on Texas and Louisiana.

John actively contributes to the Hopkins County Genealogical Society, where he has served on the executive board for fifteen years and held the prestigious position of President during the years 1997-1998 and 2017. His expertise has led him to speak at numerous prominent genealogy conferences, including the FGS National Conference in 1997 and 2004, as well as the NGS in 1994. He has been a featured speaker at more than 65 all-day seminars across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, sharing his knowledge of genealogy and history. Notably, he delivered captivating talks at the DRT Genealogical Conference held at the Alamo in 2002, 2003, and 2011, as well as the Louisiana Historical and Genealogical Seminar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2007 and 2011.

John has played an integral role in fostering education and learning in the genealogy community. He has been a faculty member at the Angelina College Genealogy Conference from 1999 to 2014 in Lufkin and served as a featured instructor at the esteemed Texas Institute of Genealogical Research in 2017, with a forthcoming return in 2019. His commitment to growth and expertise is evident in his completion of advanced courses in Genealogy as a Profession, Advanced Methodology, and Advanced Library Research at the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, Samford University.

A sought-after educator, John has also been a lecturer at the Institute of Genealogical Research, Samford University, in the years 2009, 2010, 2014, and at the University of Georgia in 2018. In addition to his scholarly endeavors, he compiled an insightful addendum to the 1850 Census of Hopkins County, preserving valuable historical information.

John A. Sellers stands as a distinguished figure in the genealogy community, sharing his passion and expertise with countless individuals and preserving the rich history of his beloved Texas and beyond.