Who is Elijah Lewis from The Glory Field and what is their importance?

Elijah is about fourteen when we first meet him, the year is 1900. His greatest dream is to help his family financially, so they can hold onto the Glory Field. He is described as dignified, proud, and hard working, with a great sense of justice. Over the course of the novel, Elijah makes his home in Chicago, where he marries Goldie and starts a family. After fifteen years in Chicago, he and his family return to the Glory Field, although, we are never apprised of whether or not they stay there.