Hob Hayward

Hob Hayward is a Hobbit of the Shire.

Biography
Hob Hayward was a two-feathered Shirriff. Before the War of the Ring, he had watched Buckland's Hay Gate(Buckland Gate) as a doorguard. He was well acquainted with the Brandybuck Family.

During Lotho Sackville-Baggins's reign over the Shire, the Shirriffs were reorganized. Hob was old, and one of several shirriffs who were to guard the new fence at the Brandywine Bridge under the command of Bill Ferny.

When Frodo Baggins and his companions returned from their adventure, they found Hob at the gate who forbade them to enter the fence gate. After they chased off Ferny, Hob informed them of the changes in their homeland. Although was warned by the other guards, he still told Frodo and his company the truth. His further fate is unknown, he possibly joined Battle of Bywater with the other Shirriffs that switched sides.

Etymology
A hayward is a local official with the duty of inspecting fences and keeping cattle from straying.