The current meaning of the term schoonvader is “father-in-law.” In earlier records, the term is used more generally and can also mean stepfather. Just think of the term as “father by marriage,” the marriage being either the one to the spouse (making his/her father the schoonvader) or the mother (making her husband the schoonvader).
About Yvette Hoitink
Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer in the Netherlands. She has a Master of Letters in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee, and holds the Certification of Genealogist and Qualified Genealogist credentials. Yvette served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists and won excellence awards for her articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly. Yvette has been doing genealogy for over 30 years. She helps people from across the world find their ancestors from the Netherlands and its former colonies, including New Netherland. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.