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 fourteen 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 50 all day seminars located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. He was the featured speaker at the DRT Genealogical Conference at the Alamo in 2002 and 2003, and the Louisiana Historical and Genealogical Seminar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2007. He has been a faculty member for Angelina College Genealogy Conference, since 1999 in Lufkin and was a featured speaker at Dallas Texas Summer Institute, 2006 John has given several programs at both local and regional conferences. He has completed both Genealogy as a Profession, and Advanced Methodology courses at the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, Samford University. John, was a lecturer at the Institute of Genealogical Research, Samford University, 2009 and has been invited to return in 2010. He compiled an addendum to the 1850 Census of Hopkins County. John is currently serving as 1st Vice President of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society.

Lecture Topics:

1.

The Other Louisiana - (2 Sessions) Louisiana is really divided into two states when you talk about culture, ethnicity, and religion. The northern part of the state is very different from the south which is associated with the Cajuns, Creoles, and other groups. The North is much more like the rest of the South. Culturally more like Arkansas and East Texas than New Orleans. This lecture discusses the history and differences between northern and southern Louisiana. Their governmental records are the same and their uniqueness to Louisiana are analyzed. Repositories and cities of Northern Louisiana are also discussed.

2.

Courthouse Research - (2 Sessions) "Dusty Books and Musty Rooms"- A general overview of courthouse research, etiquette, and procedures. The lecture addresses all types of courthouse records and how to access them. This is a beginning to an intermediate level lecture. Probate and deed records are emphasized. "What's Hidden in Courthouse Records?" - This advanced lecture on courthouse records details the researcher how to glean the most information from various record groups. Unusual discoveries in some commons records such as deeds will be discussed. The court system and varying records in different clerk's offices will be addressed.

Enter the building through the glass doors at the head of the circle drive. (above right)
The entrance is located between the towers on Texas Street.

Seminar Schedule:
 

8:15 am  -	8:45 am		Registration - Visit the Vendors
8:45 am  -	9:00 am		Welcome - Introductions
9:00 am  -	10:15 am		Lecture, Session 1
10:15 am  -	10:45 am		Break - Visit the Vendors
10:45 am  -	12:00 pm		Lecture, Session 2
12:00 pm  -	1:15 pm		Lunch Break - Visit the Vendors
1:15 pm  -	2:30 pm		Lecture, Session 3
2:30 pm  -	3:00 pm		Break - Visit the Vendors
3:00 pm -	4:15 pm		Lecture, Session 4
4:15 pm -	4:30 pm		Closing remarks

For more information, please contact Debbie Pearson:

Vendors, please contact Rob Yoder: