Join us in Austin, June 10-14, for the 2019 Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR). Two tracks offer attendees in-depth learning on Texas Research Essentials or Advanced Southern Research Strategies.
Learn from experts in Texas research such as John Sellers, a fifth generation Texan with extensive expertise in Texas history, geography, courthouse records, and more.
John A. Sellers, a fifth generation native to Hopkins County, Texas, graduated from Texas Tech University, with a degree in advertising/public relations, and received his teaching certificate in history from Texas A & M, Commerce. A genealogical researcher since 1985, John’s 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.
John is an active member of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society and has served fifteen years on the executive board and as President, 1997-1998, 2017. 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 65 all day seminars located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. John has given over 275 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 was a featured instructor at the new Texas Institute of Genealogical Research in 2017, and will be on the faculty again in 2019. 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, 2014, and University of Georgia, 2018. 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. John is Mayor of Sulphur Springs and serving his third term on the City Council.
Course 1 – Texas Research Essentials
Texas Court Records, Part 1
John Sellers
As with many things about Texas, its court system has some unique features. Both criminal and civil case and courts will be reviewed. Terminology will addressed and applied. Some cases will be reviewed to show genealogical value. Research techniques will be explained. County level records will be addressed.
Texas Court Records, Part 2
John Sellers
Where do you go if your court cases are appealed? This lecture overviews the Texas court system beyond the county level including how appealed cases may help you with burned counties and where to find and research records at the appeal level all the way the up to Texas Supreme Court and Criminal Court of Appeals.
Texas Geography
John Sellers
Texas is the second largest state in area and in population. The different geographical regions will be reviewed and their influence on settlement and the various crops the pioneers grew. Various ethnic and regional migrations will be reviewed. How the influence of Texas’ unique geography helped shape its history will be discussed. Texas has a dual role of both a Southern state and a Western state.
Texas History, Part 1 & Part 2
John Sellers
A state under six flags! This lecture in two parts is an overview of a state’s unique story and history. We will examine various time periods and the consequences of other countries’ influence on the Lone Star State and their consequences. In addition, we’ll discuss how Texas’ history has influenced its records and how we need to research them.
Seating is limited so register today!
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Courses: Texas Research Essentials • Advanced Southern Research Techniques