Background
Charles Le Roux, the eldest son of Bartholomew and Gertrude (Van Rollegom) Le Roux, was born in New York City, United States and baptized there December 22, 1689.
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Charles Le Roux
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Le Roux learned the gold and silversmith's trade from his father, and after the latter's death in 1713 he successfully carried on the business which the elder Le Roux had founded. As a craftsman he excelled his father and for many years was the official silversmith of New York City.
Le Roux also engraved the plates for several of the series of bills of credit issued by the city and colony, and in 1735, when there was a controversy between Mayor Richard and the common council as to the custody of the city seal, the goldsmith was directed to make and engrave a separate seal for the mayor's use, for which he received £5:9:3.
Like his father, Charles was also active in the civic and religious affairs of the city; and in the factional strife which prevailed during the administration of Governor Cosby he sided with the popular party. In 1734 he was chosen an assistant alderman on a ticket nominated by "an Interest opposite to the Governour's", and three years later, in a contested assembly election, he signed a petition protesting against the "Barefaced Villany" of the sheriff in certifying the election of the candidate of the "court faction".
As a member of the common council from 1734 to 1739 his activities were extensive, including the auditing of the treasurer's accounts, investigating land titles, having lots surveyed, superintending repairs to the City Hall and to the fire engines, drafting new laws, and suppressing nuisances. He held the offices or church warden and deacon in the Reformed Dutch Church. In April 1738, he was captain of one of the city military companies, and on August 15 of that year he was promoted to the rank of major. During the so-called Negro Plot of 1741-1742 he was sworn as a member of the grand jury, and when one of his own negroes was accused of being a party to the conspiracy, he entered into a recognizance to have the slave transported.
Achievements
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Le Roux was known as the leading New York silversmith of the second quarter of the eighteenth century. The records show that to him alone, from 1720 to 1743, was entrusted the making of the gold and silver boxes which enclosed the seal accompanying the engrossed freedom of the city granted by the common council for noteworthy service or to distinguished visitors. One of these boxes was presented to Andrew Hamilton, the eminent Philadelphia lawyer who defended John Peter Zenger in the famous trial which established the freedom of the press.
Connections
In 1715 Le Roux married Catherine, daughter of Dr. Gerardus Beekman. His connection with this well-known family added to his prestige and influence in the community.
