Hamfast Gamgee

Hamfast Gamgee, mostly referred to as the Gaffer) was a Hobbit of the Shire. He was notably the father of Samwise Gamgee and husband of Bell Goodchild.

Early life
Hamfast is born in Hobbiton, the Shire to Hobson and an unknown hobbit woman with three older siblings: Andy, May and Halfred. Sometime later, he marries Bell Goodchild and they have six children: Hamson, Halfred, Daisy, May, Samwise and Marigold.

Later life
Hamfast grew as old friends with his master, Bilbo Baggins and remained loyal to the declared deceased Bilbo. When Sam is young, Hamfast allows Bilbo to teach Sam how to write and to read. He also attended Bilbo's 111th birthday, but the Hobbit mysteriously disappears.

One night in the Green Dragon, Hamfast drinks with his son, Frodo Baggins, Sandyman, and Noakes. When the Sandyman blames Noakes for sounding crazy like Bilbo, Hamfast immediately defends Bilbo and states that his nephew Frodo is cracking as well.

Personality
Hamfast was well-liked and well respected in the Shire. He was also able to help save Bilbo's house for a time being. Gaffer had also became something of a father figure towards Frodo, who was his son's best friend. The Gaffer was presumably uneducated and allowed Bilbo to teach Sam how to write and read.