We are thrilled to introduce you to one of the dynamic speakers teaching at our 2016 Family History Conference in Dallas Texas on October 28-30! Registration opened September 1st...grab your spot now!
About the Speaker
John A. Sellers is a fifth generation native to Hopkins County, Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University, with a degree in advertising/public relations and, received his teaching certificate in history from Texas A&M, Commerce; He has been doing genealogical research since 1985. His favorite area of research is in the courthouse. He has visited courthouses in several southern states and has conducted extensive research in Texas and Louisiana.
He is an active member of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society and has served fifteen years on the executive board and as President, 1997-1998. He was a speaker at the FGS National Conference in 1997 and 2004, and NGS in 1994. He has been the featured speaker for more than 60 all day seminars located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. John has given over 200 programs on genealogy and history. He was the featured speaker at the DRT Genealogical Conference at the Alamo in 2002, 2003 and 2011, and also the Louisiana Historical and Genealogical Seminar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2007 and 2011. He has been a faculty member for Angelina College Genealogy Conference, 1999-2014 in Lufkin and has spoken several years at TSGS. John has given several programs at both local and regional conferences.
He has completed Genealogy as a Profession, Advanced Methodology, and Advanced Library Research courses at the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, Samford University. John was a lecturer at the Institute of Genealogical Research, Samford University, 2009, 2010 and 2014. He compiled an addendum to the 1850 Census of Hopkins County.
He is an Assistant Vice President – Director of Marketing with City National Bank of Sulphur Springs. He is a former Mayor of Sulphur Springs and is serving his second term on the City Council.
About the Sessions
Was Grandpa ‘His Brother’s Keeper?’
A study of the Masonic Fraternity and what records may be valuable for genealogists. There is a brief study of the history and development of Masonry in the United States. Records and their access will be reviewed. Terminology and recognizing symbols of the fraternity will be discussed. Using records for proof of residence and possible death dates will be reviewed. A short review of other major fraternal organizations such as Odd Fellow and the Order of Red Men will be highlighted.
What is Hidden in Courthouse Records?
This advanced lecture on courthouse records details the researcher how to glean the most information from various little known and commonly used record groups. Unusual finds in some commonly used records such as deeds will be discussed. Texas courthouses will be the prevalent example given. The jurisdiction and arrangement of various record groups will be addressed. Some actual examples will be used to show the importance of a complete survey of available records.
Banquet Presentation
John is the invited speaker at our awards banquet on Saturday night! Be sure to add the banquet on to your conference registration!
The Most Interesting Mann!, or My Treasure Seeker!
A humorous and light-hearted look at a obscure ancestor. Many different and unusual record groups and records has contributed to recreating his life’s journey. A common last name or rather unusual first name has presented some unusual research techniques. Come enjoy my ancestor after dinner!!!!
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