Background
Stuyvesant, Petrus was born in 1592 in Friesland Province, Netherlands. Son of Review Balthazar and Margaretta (Hardenstein) Stuyvesant.
Stuyvesant, Petrus was born in 1592 in Friesland Province, Netherlands. Son of Review Balthazar and Margaretta (Hardenstein) Stuyvesant.
Academic education.
Supercargo, Dutch West India Company, Brazil, 1635. Governor Dutch possession, Curacao, Leeward Islands 1643. Lost a leg while leading expedition against island Saint Martin, 1644.
Director general New Netherlands colony, 1646.
Church warden, 1647, reconstructed church at Fort Amsterdam, New New York A strict adherent Dutch Reformed Church, instituted restrictions on alcohol, enforced Sunday observance, proclaimed ordinance restricting freedom of worship, 1656.
Promoted better relations with English, ousted Swedish from Delaware. Created 9-man board to plan welfare measures, 1647.
His rule often harsh and people demanded independent municipal control, 1649, granted, 1653.
Became large landowner, following grant of 1650, erected mansion nr East River (now New York City), circa 1659. Surrendered New Netherlands to English at his home, 1664, retired from government.
Married Judith Bayard, at least 2 children, Balthazar Lazarus, Nicholas William.