Petrus Van Driessen was the son of Petrus Van Driessen and the brother of Johannes Van Driessen. Traditional sources tell us that he was born in Belgium!

Dominie Van Driessen's long tenure came during a time of great growth in Albany and its environs. He took charge of the enlargement of the Albany church; was instrumental in securing a charter from the royal government, acquired additional pasture lands south of the city for the church, and managed missionary outposts in the Indian country and in southern Albany County. At the same time, sister congregations were formed in Schaghticoke, Kinderhook, and Catskill. As they were frequently without ministers of their own, Van Driessen provided services away from Albany as well. In 1726, a collection of his Dutch-language sermons was published in New York City. He also purchased personal frontier acreage along the Mohawk River.

"Sick in body," Petrus Van Driessen filed a will in January 1738. It left an extensive estate to his wife and then to their four living children. He died in early February and was buried beneath the church he built and where he served for almost twenty-six years.

Sources: The life of Petrus Van Driessen is CAP biography number 6692. This profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. We seek definitive information on his background!