Seconding what others have said; the hardy wisdom of a country boy proving superior to the gleam of urbanity was a pretty common cliche (that all the hobbits are subject when they interact with, say, Gondorians).

Sam being a servant explicitly is a mild turn from the country cousin/relative/suitor I recall in Georgian texts but the hypercompetent butler/valet was very popular in the 20s (see Wodehouse). Some would argue it has its roots in Greek theater.