Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in Two Generations

Because he was so shy of publicity, little is known about J. J. Leahy. Hewas called by some as the back-country baron, one of Australias mostimportant early pastoralists. With a limited education and no money, hewent on to build up a large pastoral empire. He owned or leased over onehundred extensive properties, and at one time, his wool clip was said to bethe largest in Australia. He also ran sixty thousand head of cattle on theseproperties. His numerous big deals became legendary. His bank neverrequired a mortgage over his assets to ??inance his big stock deals. All heneeded to do was call his bank manager to let him know he was writing acheque to cover his latest deal. He travelled ??irst by horse-drawn vehiclesand then cars and ??inally was a pioneer in the use of aircraft to cover hisarea of interest, starting with a converted WWI Bristol ??ighter. At times hecontrolled one hundred thousand sheep walking on stock routes, besidesthose run on his large properties. On his travels, he often bought a largemob of sheep with a handshake. He was offered but refused a knighthood.