Guert Hendrick VAN SCHOONHOVEN

                   SOURCES:
    1. The Schoonover Family by T.E. Schoonover pp 3-4 (FHL#929.273 Sch65s)

Historical and research information included in notes

Geurt Hendrickse Van Schoonhoven (Hendrich van Schoonhoven).Geurt Hendricks Van Schoonhoven, born 1634 in Holland, came to America and settled in Beverwyck perhaps as late as the 1650s. Beverwyck was the name given to the community of fur traders that first emerged along the Hudson River north of Fort Orange during the 1640s. Geurt supported himself through carpentry. He rented a dwelling while working out of a "celler with a lean-to shed" - which he purchased in 1663. Later, he owned a house and lot within the Albany stockade. In 1675 Geurt was farming in Half Moon and in 1681 on Cohoes Island. By the 1860's he had married Maritie Cornelis. They were members of the Albany Dutch Church. Maritie was born in Europe, came to America and all of her children were born here prior to 1683. She lived with Geurt in Albany and in his other up-river residences. Their six children also became members of the Albany Dutch Church. Maritie Cornelis Van Schoonhoven witnessed the baptism of a granddaughter in 1704. Maritie may have died as late as 1710. In August 1700, Geurt Hendrickse made a will calling himself a yeoman of Halfmoon. As was the custom, he acknowledged the suppremacy of God and his own allegience to the king of England. He left his "well beloved wife Maritie Cornelius" his entire Halfmoon estate and also his lot in Albany. She was made executrix. The eldest son Jacob was given one pound and ten shillings as his birthright and son Hendrick was left Geurt's carpenter tools. The sons were to share farm tools. After their mother's death, the sons were to have the Halfmoon and Albany property appraised, and, after six years, divide the proceeds six ways to include their sisters, Margarita, Hendrickie, Geertruy, and Jacomyntie Van Schoonhoven. Geurt Hendrickse Van Schoonhoven, the New Netherland patriarch died 12 Jan 1702.