Hobson

Hob Gammidge		Rowan
	Hobson (Roper Gamgee)
Andwise Roper	Hamfast Gamgee	May	Halfred of Overhill

Sam Gamgee's grandfather Hobson was part of a tradition of rope-making in his line of the family. His father Hob Gammidge of Tighfield was known as the Roper, and in later life as 'Old Gammidgy'. Hobson followed his father into the trade, maintaining a 'rope-walk' (a rope-maker's yard), and becoming known as 'Roper Gamgee'. This is the first historical appearance of the name 'Gamgee', a corruption of his father's nickname 'Gammidgy'.

Hobson had four children, of whom the eldest was named Andwise (known to Sam Gamgee as his uncle Andy). Andwise Roper continued the family tradition in Tighfield, while Hobson's second son Hamfast removed to Hobbiton, where he became a gardener. This Hamfast - later known as Gaffer Gamgee - settled on Bagshot Row, and was the father of Sam Gamgee. Hobson had two other children: May (of whom we know little) and Halfred (who evidently removed to the village of Overhill).

Hobson lived in Tighfield for ninety-nine years. While Sam referred to him as his 'grand-dad', it is unlikely that he would have personally remembered old Hobson, who died when Sam was just four years old. Hobson's rope-making work continued after him, at least through his son Andwise in the next generation, and perhaps to his grandson Anson.