John Timmins was born at Yarramundi, N.S.W., around the year 1816 to convict parents, James Timmins and Ann Baldwin. Despite these dubious beginnings, John was destined to become a legend because of his epic droving trips, and other exploits with cattle, taking them from the north-west slopes and plains of N.S.W. to Sydney. He was the first man to do so.

John Timmins was employed by Elizabeth Pitt and accompanied her son, George Matcham Pitt, to the Liverpool Plains and the Gwyder district before his marriage to Pitt's half sister Elizabeth Scott in 1848. Over the years he did the journey many times, travelling through Singleton, where "Timmins Bridge" was named after him, droving cattle to be sold at the Homebush saleyards. He was given a silver pocket watch in recognition of his faithful service.

John and Elizabeth were married in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Kurrajong, by Mathew Adam, Minister of the Scotts Church, Windsor, on September 12th, 1848. The couple made their home at "Ham Farm" , Comleroy Road, Kurrajong.

In 1871, through George Pitt, he secured a block of land adjoining Gunyerwarildi Station, about 25 miles north of Warialda. They called this land "Rocky Holes". In these early days the Timmins boys were employed hauling logs with their bullock teams, droving cattle and clearing the thick scrub for the established land owners.

In 1886 John and Elizabeth left "Rocky Holes" and headed west to Collarenebri, where William and Henry had land and settled there, on "Bangate Waterholes".

John died on 6th April 1911, at Collarenebri, and is buried in the local cemetery, along side his wife, Elizabeth.