Madfast married in his youth the Lady Tayberry Bramblebuck, who bore his first son, Lord Thornfast Bramblebuck-Lightfoot. That marriage ended tragically at the funeral of his second wife, Ruby, who bore Madfast his only daughter, Orleanda. Now a widower, he would have spent the rest of his life happily holding "discussions" via post with his many acquaintances - if not for the terrible condition of the post! Deciding once and for all that action was needed more than arguments, he took up the mantle of postman, and soon after, he discovered the joy of being a widower with a job that required much travel and inspired great respect...

His new profession lent strength to his "opinions", and offered many opportunities among the lovely hobbit ladies! If confronted, he will point out that his marriage to his young third wife Iris in no way makes him less of a widower, and anyway she rarely leaves her home in Woodhall and isn't interested in news from the outside world, though his three sons by her, Thadfast and Jadfast, and... er, the other one... take after their father and enjoy exploring the world, experiencing its multitude of pleasures, and meeting all the new people and especially wonderful varieties of women in the wide, wide world.