Who is Lanford Ellis from Stern Men and what is their importance?

One of the sons of tycoon Dr. Julius Ellis of Concord, NH, Lanford succeeds him as head of family. He helps run his sister Vera's affairs, serving as intermediary in freeing Mary Smith-Ellis from servitude when she marries Stan Thomas. He takes an active interest in their daughter, protagonist Ruth Thomas. At age 94, Lanford is the only Ellis who keeps up the tradition of spending the summer on Fort Niles Island. As the sole heir of Lanford House, he forbids his many relatives from visiting. He is attended by a single servant, Cal Cooley, who lives year-round on the island. Twice a year Lanford summons Ruth, whom he affectionately addresses as granddaughter, to issue orders that he does not explain. She comes to avoid him whenever possible and vows to do nothing to please the Ellises. When she refuses a summons to dinner, Lanford refuses to go to Concord for the winter, upsetting the islanders.