Many people do not know much about Tolkien's family, & one important
thing to note is Tolkien mother (Mable) converted to Catholicism when
it was not a popular thing to do. Tolkien was 8years of age and this
had a lasting impression on him. Ronald also became a child convert.
She converted after Tolkien's father (Arthur) died & her family
along with her husbands family withdrew all financial support (as little
as it was), so she suffered to provide for both her children all because
she became a Catholic against their wishes.
Tolkien's mother home schooled her boys after her husband died as she could no longer afford the tuition. She became very ill in the meantime & she ended up dying. Tolkien considered his mother a martyr for the faith. She had named a dear Priest friend of theirs the guardian of the 2 boys and Father Francis took care of them and Tolkien later said he was like a real father to him.
He met his wife when he was 17, and married her when he was 24 . God blessed their marriage with 4 children, John (1917) Michael (1920) Christopher (1924) Priscilla (1929). John later became a Priest and still is a Priest in England.
Some people may not know, but the hobbit was written first and foremost for his children. Is that cool or what? What else is REALLY cool are the Father Christmas letters he sent his children year after year were just for them too. Now that is one cool Daddy! *smile*