What is the patron system in the colonies?

A Patroon was a large landowner in the Dutch New Netherland colony of North America or modern day New York state. These landowners headed manors and were very similar to feudal land systems. A patroon held the power to create courts, appoint officials and hold or grant lands. In agreement with the Dutch West India Company, he was required to have 50 families on his land within two years.