Patroon system, puh TROON, was a plan set up by the Dutch West India Company in 1629. It was used to colonize New Netherland, in what are now the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut. Any member of the company who paid to bring over 50 settlers within four years could have a large tract of land. The settlers had to be at least 15 years old. The patroon (owner of the land) became a kind of feudal lord who controlled all aspects of the settlers' lives, including their right to move, go into business, or even marry.