Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in Two Generations

Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in Two Generations: First Generation

Because he was so shy of publicity, little is known about J. J. Leahy. He was called by some the back-country baron, one of Australia’s most important early pastoralists. With a limited education and no money, he went on to build up a large pastoral empire. He owned or leased over one hundred extensive properties, and at one time, his wool clip was said to be the largest in Australia. He also ran sixty thousand head of cattle on these.....

Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in Two Generations: Second Generation

This second generation story goes on to document how they went on to live a very different life in a now bygone era.   This book is connected to the first generation life of our family, but it tells of a completely different life and times. It is a story of a generation living through and coping in its own way.

Horses, Cars and Aircraft

As well as telling the Vauxhall 30/98 story, it occurred to me that this book should encapsulate the story of transport from horses through cars, powered aircraft and gliders for the two generations of our family.

The early chapters of this book deal with the first generation’s properties spread across New South Wales and Queensland and the story of our family’s Vauxhall 30/98 OE221, while the last two chapters are about the second generation who developed Burra (later Burra Station),.....