John Borders, son of John and Catherine (Sellards) Borders and grandson of Hezekiah Sellards, was born about 1792 near Walkers Station in the present Bland County, Virginia. he married in Floyd County, Kentucky, June 13, 1813, Jane "Gincy" Nelson, born ca 1798 in North Carolina, daughter of Reverend Immanuel Nelson. John was baptized by Rev. Samuel Hannah for the Georges Creek Baptist Church in 1827. In 1829 he was licensed to preach. Samuel Hannah and Elias Coyle ordained John in 1839. In 1841 Rev John succeeded Rev William Wells both as preacher of the introductory sermon and as moderator of the Paint Union Association. John served as moderator for nine successive years and a later period of four years. He served a long and useful ministry. John either raised or helped to start Silver Creek, Rockcastle, Hoods Fork and Little Blaine Baptist Churches. This family lived on Georges Creek in Lawrence County, Kentucky.

The following marriage bond is recorded in the Floyd County records:

Know all mean by these presents that we John Borders & Immanuel Nelson are held and firmly bound unto the commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of L50 for the true payment whereof we bind ourselves our heirs etc firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated the 13th day of June 1813. The condition of the above obligation is such that there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound John Borders and Gincy Nelson if therefore there shall be no lawful cause or impeerment to obstruct or impead the said marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue.

Escd in presence of /s/ John Borders seal
J. Mayo DCFCC /s/ Immanuel Nelson seal

Although some records indicate John's death as being 1879, the following deed recorded in Lawrence County Deed Book O, page 426 indicates his death was earlier. This is a July 1876 deed to transfer a tract of land on Georges Creek to David Borders. Parties to the deed are Jane Borders widow of John Borders, deceased, Jane Lowe, late Borders, and William Lowe her husband, Fanny Deboard, late Borders, and J. F. Deboard her husband, Joseph Borders, John Borders, Samuel Chapman, William S. Lowe, Sarah C. Lowe, and Berthy Borders. The records referred to list John as dying March 13, 1879, but it would appear if the March 13 date is correct that it should be MArch 13, 1876.

John is sometimes referred to as Junior, but no proof has been presented for this case.