John Sellers (1728 – February 2, 1804) was an American scientist, politician and surveyor from Pennsylvania. He served in the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, then a unicameral legislature, representing Chester County from 1767 to 1771. He became a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate after its creation, representing Delaware and Philadelphia counties and the city of Philadelphia from 1790 to 1794. He was a founding member of the American Philosophical Society and observed the Transit of Venus in 1769.
Early life
John Sellers was born on September (or November) 19, 1728, at Sellers Hall in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, to Sarah (née Smith) and Samuel Sellers. His grandfather Samuel Sellers worked as a weaver and emigrated from Derbyshire.
Career
Surveying career
Sellers worked as a weaver.
American Philosophical Society
Sellers was one of the original members of the American Philosophical Society. He joined the organization in 1768. Sellers and David Rittenhouse and others were members of the society's committee that observed the Transit of Venus in 1769 and reported their observations for the benefit of science. He was appointed one of the Boston Port Bill Committee and was a deputy in the first Provincial Conference of Representatives at Philadelphia on July 14, 1774. These activities on behalf of the Revolution and particularly Sellers' role in signing the Continental currency led to his disownment by the Society of Friends.
He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1789, representing Delaware. He served in the first session of the Pennsylvania Senate. He represented Delaware and Philadelphia counties and Philadelphia from 1790 to 1794. He was appointed by Governor Thomas Mifflin as associate judge of the Delaware County Court, but declined the appointment.