Small family cemeteries can disappear over time due to neglect.They are sometimes overtaken by weeds or trees that spring up between the headstones.Two Warren County cemeteries, both located in the Hickory Grove Township, have escaped that fate and recently been restored providing a wealth of historical information.The Kennedy and Pritchett family cemeteries, both located south of Wright City, have received some overdue tender loving care thanks to a restoration program sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society.Last week visitors were able to tour both restored cemeteries and learn about some of the people buried there.Marie Hollenbeck, of the Warren County Historical Society, said volunteer Jerry Prouhet did most of the restoration work himself, including the removal of brush and repair of headstones.Veterans of the American Revolution and the War of 1812 are buried in the Kennedy Cemetery.Thomas Kennedy, born in 1753, built a fort in 1809 near the cemetery to protect early settlers. Thomas Chambers (1786-1866) signed the first deed recorded in Warren County.Hollenbeck said Prouhet uncovered 24 gravestones in the Pritchett Cemetery, all whose names were covered by many layers of moss.The family moved from the state of Virginia to Warren County in 1835.“We don’t know why they chose to leave in October,” said Hollenbeck. “But some of the writings say it was a very deliberate plan.”Hollenbeck read excerpts from Pritchett’s memoirs, retelling the harshness of the trip to Warren County.The family was held up by ice on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and was delayed many times by the cold weather.Pritchett tells about complete strangers who helped the family along the way.The Pritchett family first settled near Wentzville, then purchased 400 acres from the government in what is now the Wright City area. According to historical documents, tobacco was their first crop.Joshua Pritchett (1815-1899) built a one-story house on what is now Highway M. Other notable family members include Joseph Pritchett (1835-1916), a minister at Shiloh Methodist Church during the Civil War.He was known for always wearing a gun while preaching.The church still stands nearby on Highway T.Carr Waller Pritchett (1823-1910) worked as a preacher and an astronomer.He was recognized for finding the red spot on Jupiter.He also took a job in Washington, D.C., in 1864 and attended the second inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln.He helped escort Lincoln’s body after his assassination.More than 30 people are buried in the Pritchett Cemetery, including five members of the same family lost to a “deep affliction.”Hollenbeck said little Annie Pritchett, daughter of Carr and Bettie Pritchett, was the first to become ill when she was 1 month old. The illness was caused by “seep water” the family had been drinking, which contained a deadly poison.Members of the Henry Painter family are also buried in the Pritchett Cemetery.The Pritchett Cemetery is located on Carter Lane on the north side of Highway M. The Kennedy Cemetery is located on South Stringtown Road.For more information about the Warren County Historical Society and its programs, people may call 636-456-3820.The museum is located at 102 W. Walton in Warrenton. The museum and library are open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.Two Wright City Cemeteries Rich in History