The Price of Integrity

Grampa Stringam and his Sons.
Back row: Daddy (Mark), Bryce, Elwood, Woodrow, Alonzo.
Front row: Briant, Grandpa, Owen.

My grandfather, George Stringam, ranched in Southern Alberta in the early half of the twentieth century.

There are countless stories about those days, all of which I find fascinating.

But those I am most drawn to are the tales of his integrity and honesty.

Here is one, as told by my Uncle Owen:

Jerry Woodruff, one of the oldtimers of the Glenwood district, ran a few head of milk cows and always had a few head of calves to sell every fall. He always offered them to my father (George Stringam). Father always gave Jerry what Father thought they were worth, which price was always very satisfactory (according to Jerry).

One particular fall, Jerry called Father on the phone and told him he had six or seven steer calves that he’d like to sell.

Father didn’t have time to come and look at them but would Jerry please describe?

Jerry did so, saying they were the same calves from the same cows that Father had been buying every fall.

Father quoted him a price and Jerry agreed, then asked when he could bring them by.

Father told him he would have a pasture ready in about three days and they ended the conversation.

When Jerry delivered the calves, Father wasn’t around, so Jerry just left them in the barn and went his way.

The next Sunday, the two met and Father told him, “Jerry, those calves weren’t what you told me they were!”

Jerry responded,” Well I thought they were just like they always were.”

Father said, “Well, they were better than you told me. Here’s some more money.”

He handed Jerry a check.

It’s Ancestor Sunday! The day I celebrate my Fascinating Forebears.

Tell us about yours!