LAFONTE, Aunet, clergyman, born in Ambert, Auvergne, France, 2 October, 1812; died in New York city, 7 January, 1875. He studied theology in the Seminary of Clermont-Ferrand, and became professor of philosophy, and afterward of theology, in that institution. He was ordained priest in 1837, entered the Society of the fathers of mercy in 1839, and was among the first missionaries of his order sent to the United States. He founded the French congregation in Canal street, New York, in 1842, introduced into this country the order of Christian brothers, and harbored the first Jesuits that came to the United States. He established the school of St. Vincent de Paul in New York city, founded the orphan asylum of the same name there in 1860, and was active in the erection of its fine building.