Nancy Joh leathem: **The MOLONG "EXPRESS" and it's founding Parents. (2) revised with images

Marion Leathem Nee Large

The MOLONG "EXPRESS" and it's founding Parents.

Henry Vale Leathem was born in Redfern Nsw to a compositor at the Sydney morning Herald, John Ebb's and Ann Leathem, John ebbs had come to Australia with his father William and mother Margaret Leathem (nee Ebb's).

Henry Vale's father and grandfather had been involved with the Fairfax family in their printing industry, as well as the Pitt street chapel and "Father"- a fraternal organization that still is in existence to day.

Leathem's have been fathers of this organization and I have a suspicion that they have been involved in printing since Gutenberg.

The Leathems had been printers and compositors in London in the 1840's and had many connections evident through some marriages which stayed in the printing trade.

Henry Vale Leathem was educated at Alfred Cains commercial school Sydney, he was then apprenticed to Sir Henry Park's at the Empire, there was a massive compositors strike and the apprentices were left to do the work, Henry vale, worked to exhaustion took off and joined his Older brother John Ebb's in Queensland, who was married to Marion McDonnell and working in the trade.

He left there and went to work in Tumut, it was here he met and married Marion Large, they then went and settled in Gundagai and Henry vale worked for his brother in law at the Gundagai Times.

Then at the insistence of the Molong Towns people Henry vale and Marion packed up 7 children and traveled to Molong, where Henry vale was to meet up with John Ebb's his brother and start the Molong "EXPRESS" Henry Vale went under the 'nom de plume of “Jetsam".

(I will Publish some of his writing soon)

The Newspaper article's are interesting and self explanatory, a very little known yet important part of Australian History lay hidden in ancestral disinterest, for is it not up to the descendants to pay respect to them who laid foundations for us in the past?

Please enjoy our ancestors.

*1876 7 Oct.

Australian Town and Country Journal

Mr Leathem, for many years connected with the Gundagai Times, has left the district for Molong, where (at the Urgent solicitation of a number of gentlemen) he and his brother intend starting a new paper.

Mr Leathem carries with him the well wishes of a numerous circle of friends, who trust he may meet in his new sphere that success his enterprise and application merits.

*1876 Tuesday 10 October

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser

MOLONG.

Saturday. [Evening News]-

The first number of ‘The 'Molong Express was issued this morning. Holloway' Troupe played here for two nights and then left for Dubbo. They were well patronized.

*1876 Friday 13 October 1876

The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser

We have received the first intimation of a new arrival in the literary world in the shape of the "Molong Express"'

We are inclined to think the arrival of the bantling was hardly expected, as the baby-clothes, &c, (in the shape of type) had not arrived from Sydney.

Still, the infant is a promising one, and like all children, will grow more in the first week than ever afterwards.

We are glad to say the little stranger is, in lady's parlance, very like his papa,' and as we have long known Mr Leathem as a good writer, and a thorough pressman, we hope the child of his adoption will give evidence of the many superior traits of character of its parent.

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893)

*1876 Saturday 21 October

“The Molong Express."-The second number of a new weekly journal, published at Molong, has been sent to us.

It is a very neatly printed newspaper, and promises well, both in its literary and advertising columns. '

*1876Saturday 21 October

Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932)

(From a Correspondent.)

The weather here has been most favorable, plenty of rain with soft mists; no frost.

We have at last a paper of our own — “THE EXPRESS” the second number of which made its appearance today, but the TYPE has not as yet all arrived.

Old images of Molong around 1870's

*1876 Friday 27 October The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong
and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931)

Auction Sale.

Furniture, &c., &c.

ARCH. S SMITH

HAS received instructions from Mr H. V. Leathem (who is leaving the district) to sell by Public Auction at Mr. LEATHEM'S RESIDENCE, SOUTH GUNDAGAI, on Monday, the'30th Inst, At 12 0'clock,

WITH-OUT RESERVE.

The whole of his HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and effects, consisting of Sofas, Couches, Chairs, Tables, Chests Drawers, iron Bedsteads,

Washstands and Ware, table Lamps, Mattresses, Bedding, Pictures, ornaments, Crockery £ Glassware, Sewing Machine, Microscope. Water Caske, Kitchen Utensils, etc, etc.

Sale will commence at 12. O’clock ' Sharp. Terms CASH.

*1876 27 Oct.

The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser.

The third issue of the ' Molong Express 'has reached us, and we must compliment the proprietors on the remarkably neat manner in which it is got up.

It is well advertised in, and its contents are varied and full of information, both local and general.

From our personal knowledge of Mr H. Leathem, no man will more honestly ' run ' it than he, and from present appearances we argue well for our contemporary. We wish it every success.

*1876 Friday 3 November The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931)

We at The times regret to chronicle the departure of old residents from the district, but we suppose we must' not be so selfish as to do so in the case of Mr Leathem and family, as they have left for busier and more prosperous scenes.

Mrs Leathem, having held on Monday a sale furniture, &c., which was satisfactory, left on Wednesday for Molong to join her husband.

*1876 29th December.

The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser.

The starting a newspaper at Molong, under the proprietorship of the Messrs. Leathem, seems to have given the place a start, as the Commercial Bank have established a branch, there.

*1877 Tuesday 12 June

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893)

A New use, for Kangaroo soup.

We (Molong Express) are credibly informed by Mr, Kelly, that down the- Bogan, one stock-owner has utilized the obnoxious kangaroo, by making soup Thereof, with, which he feeds his dairy cattle.

Mr. Kelly says he -would not have believed such was the case, had he not seen the animals take this strange food greedily. Surely we live and learn. [Kangaroo Soup for cattle!]

*1879 July 9th

Henry Vale Leathem.

OBIT. JULY 9, 1879, .ETAT 38 YEARS.

"Oh. For the touch of a vanish'd hand,

And the sound of a voice that is still."

TENNYSON.

HENRY VALE LEATHEM.

the subject of this notice, was editor and part proprietor of the
'MOLONG EXPRESS', which paper he so conducted by his honest impartiality as to secure tho goodwill of all.

By his death his family have lost a most loving husband and affectionate father.

In his friendships he was sincere, and his public life was above suspicion. An undisguised scorner of cant, hypocrisy and injustice, he' caused himself to be loved, for his most honorable, gentlemanly, and blameless life.

His funeral took place July 10, and notwithstanding the weather was dismal, an immense concourse assembled to do honor to the memory of their friend.

The procession was truly representative, embracing as it did the mayor and aldermen, members of medical and legal professions, bankers, magistrates, the wealthy landowners of the district, and last, though not least, the large number of those who had walked miles on that sad day, that they might pay their last tribute of respect to the memory of one whose fine broad sympathies were all their own.

The Odd fellows, of 'which society the deceased was a member, proceeded the hearse, and so, sadly and Silently, we reached the grave.

After the sublime service of the English Church had been very impressively read by tho Reverend Dalyrample, Brother V. G. Hughes, of the deceased's society, read clearly and with much emotion a prayer, the brethren clasping hands over the grave of their late Brother now so lowly laid.

All was now over, and, sorrowing and dispirited, the large concourse dispersed with profound grief.

We all remembered the Kindly smile, the friendly extended hand, and cheery voice of the friend that had passed away, but we still had comfort, for we knew the grand sentiments our friend had uttered on earth would in due season bear their fruit, and we were comforted, for we know our departed friend, who was a good man on earth, had won his well-merited rest with his, God in Heaven.

The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931) Friday 11 July 1879

Death of “JETSAM”

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

ON Wednesday we received a telegram announcing the death that morning, at Molong, of Mr Henry V. Leathem. For about twelve years he was employed on the staff of this paper, and only left about three years ago to join his brother in starting the 'Molong Express, of which paper he was the editor.

Particulars of the sad event have; not yet reached us. He leaves a wife and 7 children to mourn their loss

The deceased was about 35 years of age, of a kindly disposition', and during his residence in Gundagai was much respected. As a practical Printer he was a good hand,' and as a writer his articles in the ' Molong Express” showed his literary ability.

He frequently contributed articles to this paper,' and the occasional Notes and Comments under- the nom de plume of “Jetsam”, which were then read with much interest and amusement, were from his pen.

He had many friends here, all of whom will join us in deep sympathy' with his widow and children.

LINK TO- "JETSAM"
http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/jet-sam-henry-vale-leathem.html
LINK TO- Jottings of "JETSAM"
http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/jottings-by-jetsam-1876-henry-vale.html
LINK TO- "JETSAM" 1876.
http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/jet-sam-1876-henry-vale-leathem.html
LINK TO- "JETSAM" "What was it!"

http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/what-was-it-jetsam-1876-henry-vale.html

LINK TO- 1866 Lady in Black a court case.
http://leathemhistory.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/henry-vale-leathem-1866-woman-in-black.html

*1882 Friday 14th July ‘The Sydney Morning herald.

LAW REPORT.

INSOLVENCY COURT.-THURSDAY, JULY 14.

SURRENDER.

John Ebbs Leathem, of Molong, newspaper proprietor.

Liabilities, £598 19s. 4d. Assets, £535 19s. 6d. Mr Lloyd,

Official assignees. (Henry Vales Brother)

*1882 Tuesday 26 September. The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser

By the Last Issue of the Molong Express we see that that paper has changed hands, and is now the sole property of Mrs H. V. Leathem, to whom all moneys due to the concern are to be paid.

We also see that the paper has reverted to its former size and style, and the absence of its column of religion and riddles is a noticeable feature.

It is now more like a newspaper, and still there is room for improvement, which must take place under the guidance of an experienced manager.

We wish the proprietor’ the success she deserves, for since the death of her lamented husband, Time has not leaned kindly towards her.

1894 3rd March.

Fire Molong Express and Western District Advertiser NSW

A Narrow Escape.

The Express office had a narrow escape from being numbered amongst the things of the past last Monday morning.

Accidentally the bed curtains in one of the rooms of the residence at the rear of the office were ignited by a match which Miss Leathem struck to enable her to find some clothing in a dark corner of the room, and in a few seconds there was a large blaze.

Both Mrs. Leathem and her daughter, who were in the room, endeavoured as best they could to extinguished the fire, which they eventually did, but not until the curtains and a kapok mattress were totally destroyed.

Mrs. Leathem, had her right hand severely burnt, and so also did Miss Leathem.

*1901 May 21

"MOLONG 'EXPRESS."

At the meeting of the Manildra P. and A. Association, a very satisfactory balance-sheet was presented, and a vote of thanks was passed to the Molong 'Express.' If the local paper does good work for local interests, the reward is sure to come

* 28 April 1911 The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser

A Newspaper Proprietress

The ' Sunday Sun' has the following : —

'A country newspaper of long standing that has remained in possession of the one family from its establishment is the Molong ' Express.'

It was founded in the 'seventies,' by Henry Vale Leathem, a bright and original journalist, who was a contemporary of the late Sir Henry Parkes in the literary line, and was an immediate success.

His regrettable death occurred soon afterwards, and his widow (left with a numerous young family;) with the assistance of her brother-in-law (John Ebbs Leathem), heroically took up' the responsibility.

In the lapse of 30 years she had a succession of editors, but business control has never left her hands.

Under her the sons learned the printing trade, and stood splendidly to their mater.

All the children have been reared to manhood and womanhood, the eldest son, Charles James Vale Leathem, having been foreman since his boyhood — quite a quarter of a century.

Australasian printers and pressmen lift their hats to the veteran pioneer newspaper proprietress, who, for 30 years, has never been a week away from her printing house.

The very successful “Expess” is wished ever increasing success.'..

'The Molong "Express" Dress'
New Image sent to me from Paul Mullins, proprietor of the Molong "EXPRESS" that is still operating today.

* 1919 Friday 8 August Molong Argus

We regret to have to announce the death of Mrs Marion Leathem, proprietress of the Molong “Express," which took place at the local Hospital at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, at the advanced age of 77 years.

The deceased lady, who had been ill about a week, developed an abscess on the throat that grew so rapidly that Drs Kennedy and Howse decided to operate for its removal.

The operation was performed on Thursday of last week, and was apparently successful, the patient being considerably relieved for a time, but subsequently the abscess took a more malignant form. Which quickly affected the sufferer's whole system, and bronchial symptoms accentuated the trouble.

All that was possible was done to relieve the patient, and a trained nurse was inconstant attention, but she gradually sank, and passed peacefully away, as above stated.

The late Mrs Leathem was the third daughter of the Dr Wm. Large, M.R.C.S. (Dublin.), and was born at Belfast, Ireland, June 15th, 1812.

The family removed to Australia, where the deceased arrived when six months old. They landed in Victoria with the well-known Wrixon family, to whom the deceased was related, Mrs Large being a daughter of Colonel Wrixon of the Irish Guards, and a cousin of Sir H. Wrixon, an ex-Attorney-General of Victoria.

After practicing his profession in Victoria for five years, Dr Large came to the Wagga and Tumut districts. Mrs Leathem received her education at the Ladies' Seminary, Wagga, and in her young days took a keen interest in Sunday School and Church work, as well as in social matters.

Deceased was married to Mr Henry Vale Leathem at All Saints' Church of England, Tumut, by the Rev. J. C. Byng. Mr and Mrs. Leathem resided at Tumut for some years, and then removed to Gundagai, and subsequently in 1876 they came to Molong, and started the “Express." Mr Leathem died of pneumonia on July 9, 1879, leaving his widow with a family of six young children.

The deceased lady thus had a difficult and strenuous burden placed upon her shoulders of rearing a family and conducting a newspaper, but she was a woman of-indomitable courage and resource, and faced many difficulties and trials which would have broken the heart of many a man let alone a woman. However, she faced her difficulties with determination, aided by hard work and shrewdness, and succeeded in keeping the business going until the sons grew up and were able to assist her.

Although not able through infirmities during latter years to take any active part in the management of the paper, her advice was of great advantage to the management.

The venerable lady was of a kindly and charitable disposition, and was highly respected by all who knew her. She was a loving and devoted mother, and will be greatly missed by her sons, who have been associated with her in the office all their lives. She took a keen interest in politics, and could put forward her views with lucidity and conciseness.

Two daughters and four sons survive the deceased, viz. :

Madams Jas. Johnston (Dilga) and Mrs. Doherty (Millthorpe), and Messrs. Charles," William, John, and Frederick; also a number of grand-children and one great-grandchild, Sapper Leathem (Wallace Henry), who has just returned from the war, is a grandson.

The deceased was one in a family of 12, and the sisters and brothers who survive her are Madams W. H. Glover (Hay), M. W. Bassett (Ascot Vale, near Griffith) and Williamson (Grafton) and Messrs’ John Large (Cootamundra) and Thomas Large (Hay).

The body was removed from the Hospital to St. John's Church on Tuesday afternoon. The funeral took place 0n Wednesday after noon, and was preceded by a brief service by the Rev. J. A. Poole in the church, Mrs Bamford presiding at the organ.

The funeral cortege was large and representative, and ‘testified to the high esteem in which the fine old lady was held; The remains were interred in the C. of E. section of Molong cemetery.. Rev. J. A. Poole read the burial service. Mrs Kingsland conducted the funeral arrangements.

The proprietors of the ARGUS and staff extend their sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

A memorial service for the deceased lady will held at St. John's Church on Sunday night.

At the Municipal Council meeting on Tuesday night the Mayor moved that a letter of sympathy be written to the Leathem family in connection with the demise of their venerable mother. In doing so his Worship paid a high tribute to the worth of the late Mrs. Leathem.

He had known her for years, and a more charitable woman never existed, and she was at all times anxious to help the sick and needy. She had reached a good old age (77 years), and had reared a respected family, one of whom (ALd. John Leathem) was a member of that Council.

She had been a devoted mother and would be greatly missed by her family, to whom the sympathy of the Council was extended,

Deceased was a woman of strong personality, and despite the many difficulties and reverses she had met with in her younger days she had always conquered them.

Deceased had one to her peaceful home, and death was a debt they would all have so pay sooner or later. He wished to express the Council's and his own sympathy with the bereaved family in their irreparable loss. The motion was passed, the Aldermen standing.

*1919 Forbes Times (NSW : 1912 - 1920) Aug 12

Our sympathy to the Messr's Leathem. Bros, of Molong, whose mother, Mrs Marion Leathem, widely known in the west as proprietress of the local "Express"' newspaper, passed away at Molong on 5th instant at the advanced age of 77 years.

She was a lady of an eminently kind disposition and was much beloved by the Molong people.

*1919 Friday 15 August Molong Argus.

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

There was a large congregation at the memorial service to the late Mrs. Leathem at St. John's Church on Sunday night. All the members of the family were present.

The Rev. J. A. Poole preached an appropriate sermon from the text "He that believeth in Me hath everlasting life."

In his discourse he referred to deceased's good quali ties-patience during suffering, and courage in facing the difficulties of life. Suitable hymns were rendered, including the deceased's favourite hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee."

*1919Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931)

Mrs, Marion leathem Veteran Newspaper Proprietress .

The death occurred at Molong. at 77, after a operation, of Mrs Marion

Leathem,. Widow of Mr Henry Vale leathem who established the Molong Express in 1876, Third daughter of Dr Wm. Large MRCS of Dublin, Mrs leathem was brought by her parents to Australia from her birth place when she was six months old.

Dr. Large practice in Melbourne for some time and then went to Tumut to live, his stay there was not a long one and he soon moved to Wagga, where he become well known.

It was here that Mrs Leathem was educated, and in 1866 she married at Tumut, she resided there with her husband for some years, and after a short stay at Gundagai they made the long journey to Molong by coach in 1876.

In the same year the "Molong Express" one of the oldest papers in the west, was started by Mr leathem. Three years later he died from pneumonia, and Mrs leathem was left with six children.

Assisted by her Brother-in-law Mr J E Leathem, she conducted the Express, for several years until her eldest son was able to render her the assistance she required.

For the past 40 years he has continued to do so, and the efforts of mother and son have been conspicuously successful.

Until within a week Mr Leathem continued to take an active part in the management of the paper, she is survived by four sons and two daughters, 21 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

*1919 Leader (Orange, NSW : 1912 - 1922)

THE LATE MRS. LEATHEM.

AN APPRECIATION.

So live that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take Her chamber in the silent halls of death.

Thou go "not like the quarry slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon but, sustained and soothed

By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave, like one that wraps the drapery of her couch about her, and lies down to pleasant dreams. '

—William Cullen Bryant.

Death happens along in our midst from day to day, and with unwearying hand mows low 'the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, alike; virile youth does not escape unscathed, and grey old age pays in full measure the ruthlessly-exacted penalty.

To have lived a life rich in its goodness, and noted for its kindnesses; to have earned 'the warmest regard of all sorts and conditions of men to have done and been all these things is to have made oneself ready a smiling and willing victim for the time when the Grim Reaper pays his fateful call.

This, surely was the case with the late Mrs. Marion Leathem, whose long residence in Molong had made of her a part of the place itself, and news of whose demise last week of a surety brought the flood of hot salt tears to the eyes of those who had enjoyed the pleasure of her acquaintance.

She had been one of Molong's pioneers her late husband, Mr, Henry Vale Leathem, having established the first local newspaper, "The Express"," as. Far back as 1856..

In the years that passed with measured tread she learned much of the vicissitudes of country life; but she was ever cheerful, ever kindly, ever ready to help any and every good cause no cloud ever presented, itself beneath which she could not see a silver lining, and her cheerful optimism extended itself to all with in the scope of her wide influence.:

The writer of this brief, hurried and very incomplete tribute has good reason for holding In high esteem the memory of this good old lady, I for the reason 'that when he came 15 ' years ago as a stranger into a strange land, she acted with characteristic chivalry and generosity towards a rival in business; and, with her sons, made less weary and trying than would otherwise have been the case of the lot of the newcomer.

Then began a friendship which grew; and was daily made more pronounced; and no visitor to the good old town of Molong in the days that are to come will more keenly miss the generous welcome the cheering words, the honest hand-grip, of the late Mrs. Leathem than will he. She was of the stuff of which philosophers are, made.

"A woman of cheerful yesterdays "And confident to-morrows."

She could tell in her own quaint fashion rare stories of the daring days that had gone of the hardships and the sorrows, and of the pleasures and the successes which followed closely on 'their heels.

She had a merry mood that was essentially her own, and was kind to a fault.

Above all, she spoke her mind and she had one to speak, keen and alert and nimble to the very last, as was also her physique to but a short while before her demise.

"Her acts will be the best portions of her good woman's life." Of this aspect of Mrs. Leathem's character it is idle here to speak, for the reason that it is known publicly to no small extent; but even to a larger degree will it be cherished in the grateful hearts of those many folk who enjoyed her benefactions, and who, beside the giver herself, were the only ones who shared the secret which she so sturdily and so consistently preserved.

To die is the lot of all, To die in the odour of sanctity, beloved of everyone, surrounded by a family whose members anticipated and satisfied her every wish as Mrs Leathem's did is to go hence in peace, and to leave Death shorn of all of its so-called terrors.

Her Long life was spent in useful labour, and in her home circle she will be missed by these who, above all others in the community, knew best her worth, and loved her to the last.

She has gone before to that silent shore, honoured and mourned as a good woman should be, there to

"Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking Morn of toil, nor night of waking, till the sun grows cold and the Scars are old, and the leaves of the Judgment Book unfold."

Aug. llth, 1919.

J.C.L.F.

*Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser NSW

22 Aug 1919

One of the Old Type

The death of Mrs Leathem, proprietress of the Molong 'Express,' robs the N.S.W. press of one of its very few female figures. In a sketch of her life by one who knew her the writer refers to the fact that she always had the courage of her convictions, and adhered undeviatingly to the path which she believed to be the right one.

Notwithstanding that she lost considerable pecuniary benefit inconsequence. Efforts were made on several occasions to induce her to haul down her colors, more especially in connection with political questions, but, irrespective of the consequences, she could not be turned aside from her convictions, and the greater the pressure that was brought to bear the more she smiled and the more resolutely she pursued the policy which she believed in.

But, fair and honest to a degree, she recognised that there were two sides to every question, and her paper was ever ready to publish the views of her opponents, even when most views contradicted strong instigations of her opinions.

Moreover she numbered among her closest friends some of her political opponents. Principle was lo her a jewel of great value, and she had a high conception of her duty to the public as the proprietress of a public journal.

Her motives were ever of the best, and if at times her paper gave a little offence, as when, on numerous instances, she refused to suppress the names of offenders against the laws, scorning the offer of bribes, she found anything but pleasure in the discharge of what she considered Nothing less than her duty in the public interest.

Inevitably, such a policy rail counter to the interests of some of her subscribers and advertisers, and at times it was the means of financial loss to her.

But she never bore malice, and the wheels of time revealed to her that the path of duty, as she saw it, was the right one. Her mode of life was above reproach, and she always insisted that nothing of a questionable nature should ever find a place in her journal, whose tone she influenced considerably.

*1920 27th May Western Champion (Parkes, NSW : 1898 - 1934)

The Molong "Express" has been transferred from the estate of the late Mrs Marion Leathem to Messrs C. J. V. and J. H. V. Leathem, sons of the founder of the paper and of the late owner.

The "Express" was established in 1876 by Mr H. V. Leathem, assisted by Mr J. E. Leathem, his brother. In 1879 he died, and the business was carried on by Mr J. E Leathem till 1881, when the late Mrs Leathem became proprietress.

She controlled the paper continuously till her death in August of last year.

1920 Leader (Orange, NSW : 1912 - 1922)

Mr William Leathem’s broken ankle is gradually mending, and he expects to be able to leave the hospital in about a week. Mr Leathem is a member of the staff of the Molong"express."

*1920 27th May Western Champion (Parkes, NSW : 1898 - 1934)

The Molong "Express" has been transferred from the estate of the late Mrs Marion Leathem to Messrs C. J. V. and J. H. V. Leathem, sons of the founder of the paper and of the late owner.

The "Express" was established in 1876 by Mr H. V. Leathem, assisted by Mr J. E. Leathem, his brother.

In 1879 he died, and the business was carried on by Mr J. E Leathem till 1881, when the late Mrs Leathem became proprietress.

She controlled the paper continuously till her death in August of last year.

1931. Molong Express and Western District Advertiser NSW

13 June 1931

OURSELVES.

Time brings changes, and regarding the 'Express' a change in the proprietary has just been completed, and the sole proprietorship of the journal has passed to Mr. Charles Leathem, who has a life-long association with the paper, and has been the managing partner for several years.

This alteration in proprietorship does not imply that there will be any radical changes in the outlook and principle of the paper, which was firmly founded on the best traditions of journalism in the year 1876 by the late Henry Vale Leathem (father of the present proprietor) and the late Mr. John Ebbs Leathem, then carried, on by the former until his death, when the paper was controlled by Mrs. Leathem on high-standard lines until her demise.

The business then passed to the proprietary (of two sons, and from thence on through a successful and earnest career, the sole control is vested in Mr. Charles Leathem Thus for 55 years the paper has remained in one family, and has progressed under their direct and personal control.

That is a record which few papers in New South Wales can claim. The paper has passed its Golden Jubilee in the same family, and that is an achievement that has few parallels in the history of country journalism, through the long 55 years which have passed and in that period mighty transformations have taken place in the world's affairs.

The ' Express' has set a course for the benefit of the people generally, and it has ever espoused the claims of the charmingly situated town of Molong and its remarkably, fine district.

On those lines of policy— 'patriotic, idealistic, fearless, forceful, and without favour, the paper will go on hopefully and determinedly, realising the opportunities that still await the district, the State, and the great Commonwealth, and ever striving to live up to the best sense and best status of journalism.

The 'Express' throughout its career has made many true friends and supporters, and our desire is to retain these by fair and independent service and to as far as possible enlarge the circle.

At times people have not always agreed with our policy, our aspirations, and our writings, and that no doubt will occur again, but there can be always good spirit in difference even if there cannot be agreement.

With the sails well set for the good of the people and the advancement of our magnificent country the 'Express' goes on to continue its voyage across the seas of journalism, with a bright outlook, fixed determination, bigger desire for- service, and good will.

With Mr. Charles Leathem still at the head of the organisation, still holding the reins of direction in capable hands, readers and supporters can confidently expect that the 'best is yet to be,' and there will be no hold-up in submitting full measure of service for the people in the People's Paper

*1936 Friday 19 June The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 - 1942)

C H V LEATHEM

A fine old pressman passed away in Molong last week in the person of Mr. C. J. V. Leathem, 67, whose father established the ' Express' there 60 years ago, and it remained in the hands of the family- continuously for 57 years, when the property was purchased by Mr. W. P. Stanger, formerly of the Lismore district.

When deceased’s father died at the early age of 36, his widow carried on the paper, in conjunction with her sons, and a very successful proposition; it was, too, in their capable hands.

Prior to coming to Coraki, Mr H. A. McCallum was editor of the 'Express' for five or six years, and can endorse every word of Editor Stanger's tribute:

'The subject of this article took his politics seriously, and was for many years a tower of strength to the Nationalist Party in its day, and a staunch supporter of the U.A.P. when it came into being.

He was a keen up holder of the dignity of the Press, and perhaps the only man that over left the office in dread of personal violence was a subscriber who offered a bribe to the proprietor to refrain from publishing some matter, which Mr Leathem considered should appear in the public interest.

To that numerous fraternity who shun the limelight when their sins have found them out, he had one unvarying reply,

'If you did not come down the chimney you would not get the soot,'

and more than one who came in with his hand in his pocket, went out with this retort in his ears.

He was withal of a kindly; generous nature, with a great love for children, although he never married.'

Paper’s connected to The Molong Express and its people.

Children of William Leathem Margate Ebbs London to Sydney, and Dr William Large, from Dublin to Tumut, Adelong, Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, and Cootamundra.

“Sydney Morning herald” William Leathem, Compositor, married Margaret Ebbs, Sydney. Parents of John Ebbs Leathem.

“Sydney Morning herald” John Ebbs Compositor married Ann Vale Sydney, parents of Henry vale John Ebbs.

“The Empire” owned by Sir Henry Parks. Henry vale was apprenticed to.

“Molong Express” John Henry vale leathem, compositor Married Marion Large, John Ebbs Jr Leathem Compositor, Married Marion McDonald.

‘The Gundagai Times’ James Baker Elworthy married Henrietta Sophia Jane Large’.

“The Star” Wagga Wagga.(Mrs Buckingong nee Large) married John Thomas Williamson worked at the Wagga Wagga Advertiser, and had founded the first evening newspaper in Wagga Wagga, the Star.

“Junee Southern Cross” Thomas Large, was a co-proprietor.

“Wagga Wagga Advertiser” Maria Leonard,

married (John) Stanley Lowe.