BOSGO BOFFIN
1275-1361
Following the disastrous mastery of Biffo, the Boffins of Barleywick were ousted from their ancestral home and forced into destitution. Bosgo would be the one to claim back Boffin’s Burrow and the rest of the accompanying estate that his ancestors had worked so hard to build. Unlike his father, Bosgo was both shrewd and determined enough to restore his family to its rightful place. Biffo had gone from riches to rags, but his son’s story is far more complicated. Bosgo went from riches to rags, then rags to riches once more. It was his life’s work to restore, as he called it, “Berno’s Legacy”.
Born in the summer of 1275 to Biffo Boffin and Marigold Baggins, Bosgo was raised in the comfort of Boffin’s Burrow. The financial insecurity of the family was already apparent at the time of his birth; soon enough this comfort would be diminished quite considerably. Despite his father’s best efforts, he was finally forced to sell off the estate in order to settle his debts in 1282 when Bosgo was aged only seven. Hoisted up onto the back of a wagon among his family’s few remaining possessions, Bosgo found himself in the town of Hobbiton. They found a small and dismal hole to live in. His father soon took up work on a farm nearby in order to feed his family. Wuldo Baggins, Bosgo’s maternal grandfather, offered them no assistance. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it is likely that he wished to distance himself from the unpopularity and disgrace of his son-in-law.
Bosgo’s tutorage was taken away before the family’s departure, so he received little formal education. He was taught his letters and numbers by his fiercely devoted mother, Marigold. Despite the family’s poverty, it is clear that the love of both parents never diminished. Indeed, it is possible that it only increased as the family was brought closer together. From a young age, Bosgo worked in the nearby watermill in town. The pay was reasonable enough and he is said to have been treated well there.
Although brought low, the family were still the Boffins of Barleywick. This name still carried some currency throughout the Shire, despite their disgrace. At some point before 1311, Bosgo began contacting his wealthier relatives in order to acquire loans from them. His persuasive and shrewd nature is shown quite clearly now, as he was able to acquire a considerable sum of money on the basis that he would eventually pay it back. It was a bold move indeed, given that his own father had attempted to use loans as a method of salvaging his finances – which had only made his problems worse. Biffo died in 1310, and the small inheritance that Bosgo received was added to the vast sums that he would go on to accumulate. It is still difficult to comprehend how this hobbit, who was but a miller at the time, was able to raise such an amount. Such tact and business savvy must have been employed to convince his relatives to part with their money. But he was truly determined to reclaim that which he regarded was rightfully his. At this time Boffin’s Burrow was owned by gentlehobbit Hondoc Boler, who had purchased the smial from Biffo all those years ago. Now aged and lonely, Hondoc was more than willing to sell Boffin's Burrow to Bosgo. Soon enough the other land that was traditionally owned by my family were re-purchased. In 1311, the Boffins had returned to Barleywick.
Despite his success in reclaiming his family’s home, Bosgo was aware that he was now required to pay back to loans that allowed him to return to Barleywick. The farmland owned by the family was made more efficient in its operation, allowing for more profit to be made. Boffin & Co. Trading was also established by my father, which sold all manner of necessities for the villagers. It also allowed Barleywick to broaden its market for its famous barley crop. Soon enough Barleywick barley was being sold throughout the Four Farthings. Although these ventures were a great success, it would be some years until he was completely free of debt. Despite these ongoing financial concerns, Bosgo was still determined to become the patriarch of the village. He would visit each home in Barleywick as often as he could, often once a week at least. By doing this, Bosgo was able to keep on top of any concerns that the villagers might have, and do his utmost to assist them.
Many similarities can be mentioned between Bosgo and Bordo Boffin. Both recognised the need for good relations between themselves and the people, as this benefits both parties. For certain the two put great emphasis on community and cooperation. After only a few months of his return to Barleywick, Bosgo already faced a great trial: the Fell Winter of 1311. Using the same initiative of his great-grandfather, Bordo Boffin, Bosgo ensured that the villagers survived the unforgiving cold that ensued. From Boffin's Burrow, the Bell of Bordo echoed throughout Barleywick. Such a noise had not been heard for over one hundred and fifty years. Taking shelter within the smial, the villagers of Barleywick endured the winter by working together and caring for one another, under Bosgo’s leadership. The only known fatality was Mr. Hondoc Bolger, who was found to have died in his home by Bosgo himself.
Bosgo was widely praised for his efforts during the Winter. The Thain himself, Gerontius Took (The Old Took) complimented him for his leadership and initiative in a letter. Quite unexpectedly, many of those whom Bosgo owed money to travelled to Barleywick where they forgave his debts; such was their admiration of him. Soon enough the remaining loans were paid off and Bosgo could finally call Boffin's Burrow his home.
As a result of his newfound wealth and status, Bosgo was able to marry well. In 1329, Bosgo married Heather Brandybuck of Buckland, the granddaughter of the immensely wealthy Parantioc Brandybuck of Crickhollow. Early in the following year their first child was born – me; Brablo. A daughter, Esmeralda, was born five years later. The marriage between Bosgo and Heather was an extremely happy one, both being devoted to one another. Bosgo would be held in the greatest respect by the entire community. Soon enough it would seem as though the Boffins had never left Barleywick.
Bosgo would serve as the master of Boffin’s Burrow, head of the family, and patriarch of Barleywick for fifty years. He passed away peacefully in 1361 whilst sleeping. His widow, Heather, would inherit his roles and responsibilities, remaining as the head the family until her own death in 1381.
