Who is George Luther Stearns from Flashman & the Angel of the Lord: From the Flashman Papers, 1858-59 and what is their importance? "Flashman_&_the_Angel_of_the_Lord:_From_the_Flashman_Papers

A historical character, Sanborn is a member of the "Secret Six," a group of wealthy, influential abolitionists who secretly fund John Brown. To serve the cause of abolition, Stearns' son offers all of his pocket money to Brown for his autograph. Brown calls it the "Widow's Mite" (after the story in Mark 12).