LACROIX, Alphonse François. Lignières, Canton (then Principality) Neuchâtel 10.5.1799 — Calcutta 3.7.1859. Swiss Missionary and Bengali Scholar in India. Son of a French soldier and his wife Charlotte Chanel, grew up with his uncle Chanel. Educated in Zürich and Neuchâtel. In 1816 moved to Amsterdam as a tutor and soon became interested in mission. Accepted as agent of the Netherlands Missionary Society at Chinsura (then in Dutch possession), he arrived there in 1821. When Chinsura became British in 1825 he became British subject and member of London Missionary Society. In 1827 moved to Calcutta and “Initiated religious Missions in the delta of the Ganges, in the Sundarbans, in the Sagar island. A scholar in Bengali. Founded Bhawanipur Missionary Institution, 1851. Revised the Bengali version of the Scriptures and trained native preachers.” In 1842 brief visit ro Switzerland and England, then worked in Calcutta until death. Married 1825 Hannah Herklots, several children (a daughter married —> J. Mullens).
Sources: Buckland, Dictionary; S.P.O[liver], D.N.B. 31, 1892, 372; W. Pétavel (above); *K. Prior, Oxford D.N.B. 2004; Wikipedia with two portraits.
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