Andrew Geddes Bain (1797-1864), came to South Africa in 1816, eventually settling in Graaff-Reinet. He soon acquired a reputation as a trader and explorer, writing a good deal about his experiences. After participating in the Sixth Frontier War, he accepted a job building military roads in the Eastern Province. In the mid 1840s Bain became Inspector of Roads for the Western Cape, and in this capacity built Michell's Pass, Houw Hoek Pass and in 1853, Bain's Kloof Pass. Bain is also known as the Father of South African geology. As a writer, Bain is still remembered for his play, Kaatje Kekkelbek.

Thomas Charles John Bain (1830-1893), joined his father as an assistant after the Seventh Frontier War, and in 1854 succeeded his father as Inspector of Roads. Passes that he built incl. Gray's Pass, Prince Alfred Pass, Cogman's Kloof and the Great Swartberg Pass. In 1888 he became Irrigational and Geological Surveyor of the Colony, and was responsible for the construction of a number of dams. He also continued his father's geological work.