My Gemini Chronicles

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My "Stander" Bloodline

The Stander family has a fascinating history that spans several generations, starting with their escape from the Catholic Church in Europe and eventually leading them to South Africa. The surname "Stander" has Dutch and German origins and was commonly used to describe someone who stood guard or watched over something. This likely suggests that the original bearer of the name was a watchman or a sentinel in their community.

During the Protestant Reformation in Europe, the Stander family, like many others, faced persecution from the Catholic Church. They were forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in other parts of the world. It is believed that some members of the family eventually settled in South Africa during the late 17th or early 18th century.

One notable member of the Stander family was Frans Stander, who became the head of police in South Africa in the mid-20th century. Frans Stander was known for his dedication and hard work in law enforcement, and he was highly respected in his community. However, his reputation was tarnished when his son, Andre Stander, became a notorious bank robber in the 1970s.

Andre Stander was a police officer himself when he began robbing banks in Johannesburg. He would wear a disguise and use his knowledge of police procedures to avoid detection. Stander's robberies became more and more audacious, and he eventually formed a gang with two other men, Allan Heyl and Lee McCall. The gang became known as the "Stander Gang," and they were responsible for robbing several banks in the Johannesburg area.

Stander's crime spree came to an end in 1984 when he was arrested and sentenced to 75 years in prison. He was initially sent to a maximum-security prison but managed to escape in 1987 by stealing a guard's uniform and walking out of the prison. Stander fled to the United States, where he continued to rob banks until he was eventually caught and killed in a shootout with police in 1984.

Despite the controversy surrounding Andre Stander, the Stander family's legacy in South Africa remains one of service and dedication to their community. Frans Stander's contributions to law enforcement are still remembered today, and his family's history serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who have faced persecution and adversity.

My 'Calderhead" Bloodline

The Calderhead Family is a Scottish clan that traces its origins to the 12th century. The name Calderhead comes from the Old Scots words "calder" meaning "stream" and "heid" meaning "head", referring to the location of their ancestral lands near the head of the Calder Water in Lanarkshire. The clan's motto is "Firmior quo paratior", which means "The more prepared, the stronger". The clan's crest is a dexter arm holding a sword in pale, and the clan's tartan is a green and blue check with red and yellow stripes. The clan's chief is James Calderhead of Calderhead, who lives in Australia.

The Calderhead Family has a long and distinguished history of service to Scotland and Britain. Some notable members of the clan include:

- Sir James Calderhead, who fought at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and was knighted by Robert the Bruce.

- William Calderhead, who was a prominent merchant and burgess of Edinburgh in the 15th century and served as Lord Provost of the city from 1473 to 1478.

- John Calderhead, who was a minister of the Church of Scotland and a leader of the Covenanters during the 17th century. He was imprisoned and banished for his resistance to the episcopal system imposed by Charles I and Charles II.

- Robert Calderhead, who was a naval officer and admiral in the Royal Navy in the 18th century. He commanded several ships and squadrons in various wars and battles, including the Seven Years' War, the American War of Independence, and the French Revolutionary Wars. He was also a member of Parliament for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis from 1784 to 1790.

- James Calderhead, who was a pioneer and explorer in Australia in the 19th century. He emigrated from Scotland in 1839 and settled in New South Wales, where he became a successful sheep farmer and landowner. He also participated in several expeditions to explore the interior of Australia, including the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860-1861.


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