Peter Hollander Ridder

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Peter Hollander Ridder (1608-1692) was the governor of the Swedish colony of New Sweden in Delaware (1640-1643).


Peter Hollander Ridder's father was a Dutchman living in Ekenäs, Finland. Peter Hollander Ridder was serving in the Swedish Navy when he was appointed as governor of New Sweden. After a difficult journey he arrived to New Sweden onboard Kalmar Nyckel on her second expedition 17 April 1640 together with a handful of settlers. Upon arrival he wrote back to Sweden to Admiral Fleming and Chancellor Oxenstierna requesting for more colonialists and skilled workmen. This request was fulfilled when Kalmar Nyckel and Charitas arrived to the settlement on November 7, 1641 with more settlers of mostly Finnish origin.

He purchased more land from Lenape Indians between Schuylkill and the Falls of the Delaware.

When Johan Björnsson Printz took over as governor of New Sweden, he returned to Sweden to serve in the Swedish Navy. He became major 1660 and governor of Vyborg (1666-1681).

Political offices
Preceded by
Måns Nilsson Kling
Governor of New Sweden
April 1640 - February 1643
Succeeded by
Johan Björnsson Printz

[edit] Sources:

Louhi, E.A (1925). The Delaware Finns or The First Permanent Settlements in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West New Jersey, and Eastern Part of Maryland. New York, The Humanity Press Publishers. 

G. Luther (1992). "Släkten Hollender Ridder". Genos 63: 1-11, 27-28.