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The San Saba River Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas held a Memorial Marker Dedication on June 6, 2009 at the historic Wright Cemetery near Henderson, Texas. Members of the John Tilley Edwards Chapter of Longview and the Charles G. Davenport Chapter of Tyler also participated in the event.

Citizens recognized at the dedication were Hansel Wright (1773-1856) his wife Elizabeth Prichard Wright (1774-1853), their son Thomas Lewis Wright (1816 - Bef. 1870) and his wife Isetta Elizabeth Dunkley Wright (1824 - Bef. 1892). Hansel Wright was born in VA. He married Elizabeth Prichard and they made their home in NC, TN then in Calloway County, KY where Hansel and his sons obtained land grants. The family left KY in 1835 and traveled to Texas arriving in Nacogdoches first in 1836, then moving to Rusk County by 1846, obtaining land grants in both counties. The Wrights donated a portion of their land to establish The Wright Cemetery, located 9 miles from Henderson in Rusk County is marked with a Texas State Historical Marker. The family established a church nearby called Wright's Meeting House which also served as a school. Approximately 100 people are buried there with the oldest grave of an infant dating 1852.

The San Saba River Chapter of San Saba, TX sponsored the event. Edward Wayne Wright, great great grandson on Hansel Wright, welcomed everyone to the event and to the annual reunion. Vice Pres. Rosemary Center Cox, 4th Great Granddaughter of Hansel Wright and 3rd Great Granddaughter of his son Thomas Lewis, welcomed members of other chapters participating and gave the biographical sketch of the family. DRT members representing the John Tilley Edwards Chapter of Longview who participated in the event included Phyllis Bridges, President; Debbie McCoy, 1st Vice Pres.; Othodell Smith, Treas.; Sue Vaughn, Parliamentarian; and Evelyn Banda, Chaplain. Representing the Charles G. Davenport Chapter of Tyler were K. Jenschke, President; and Sigur Lassiter, 3rd Great Granddaughter of Hansel Wright. The program included scripture readings, pledges to the US and TX flags, a call to remembrance and the unveiling of the markers followed by the benediction.

For more information on obtaining Citizens Medallions for your ancestors, contact your local DRT Chapter by visiting our website at http://www.drt-inc.org/.