"Old Will" as he was affectionately known, was the Mayor of the Shire at the time of the War of the Ring. He complained when Lotho tried to take over the Shire, but was taken away to the Lock-holes by Ruffians. He spent longer than anyone else in there, before being rescued, and had to relinquish the mayoral duties to Frodo until he was fit again.
Reference: The Lord of the Rings
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