Founders left Europe in search of more land, gold, and for religious freedom. The founder of New York is Peter Minuit. In new York people made their living by Farming, selling goods, and trade. New York was a big farming area. A lot of times farmers had more crops then needed. They traded pelts with the Native Americans. The land was also good for growing crops such as wheat, corn, and rye. Fisherman contributed alot to the economy. The religions varied in New York since so many people migrated there. The religions were Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Judaism, and Christianity. But By Dutch law, the people in the New York colony could belong to any religion they so choose. The citizens of the New York colony had a limited form of self government. Ruling powers were given to a governor. In 1685, New York became a royal colony.King James II sent sir Edmund Andros to be the royal governor. He ruled without a legistrature, causing dissension and complaint among the citezins. The Duth women had more rights than most other women in the colony. In both Netherlands and New York, women could own property, make contracts, and run a buisness. A wifes main role, however was taking care of the family, the home, and raising the children. Part of the parents duty was making sure the kids know how to read and write as well as the skills to hold a job.