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Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss., Monday, August 14, 1978
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Heber e nunier-descen-nualreu-
Staff Photo by Regina Hines
nion at Gulf Islands National Seashore, discusses Coast history with Willie Ladnier of Gautier, chairman of the event.
Secretary of State Ladner vows to search for grave of ancestor
REGINA HINES
Jackson County Bureau Chief
?This is one of the most historic spots in the nation,** said Mississippi Secretary of State Heber Ladner Sunday as he met with other Ladnier (Ladner) descendants at the annual reunion at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs.
When he retires from the post he has held for more than 30 years in January 1980, Ladner said he would continue to perpetuate that history for future generations.
His two priorities are the reconstruction of Fort Maurepas in Ocean Springs and the finding of the grave of Christian L'Adnier, one of two French brothers, who were the progenitors of the Ladnier families in Mississippi. Their descendants now number more than 6,000, some of whom, have dropped the tradional ?i? from their names.
The 75-year-old Ladner said he introduced the concept of a Fort Maurepas reconstruction at the first meeting of the Mississippi Bicentennial Commission several years ago.
He said he was hopeful the funds would be made available
next year during the 1979 session of the Mississippi Legislature for reconstruction of the fort.
?It?s been a long hard fight," said Ladner, "and it will be some time before it is built, but I have been assured by the appropriation leaders that they will try it in 1979.?
Land for the fort, which marked the first capital of the Louisiana Territory in 1699, has been purchased by the state.
Following the purchase, funding was appropriated for preplanning. The 1978 legislative term expired before action was taken to approve construction monies.
?This would give the biggest boost to tourism Mississippi ever had,** Ladner said of the fort project.
He said at least 500,000 people would probably visit the site annually.
Ladner said he had promised the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce several years ago he would locate ?the final resting place of Christian L?Adnier"
His quest will take him to archives in Paris and Canada following his retirement, he said.
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