Who is Ermel Justice from Storming Heaven: A Novel and what is their importance?

This cousin of C.J. Marcum is spared the confiscation of his lands because they do not lie atop coal reserves. With the coming of industry his business profit and expansion, he becomes wealthy. Ermel becomes a leading figure in the Democratic Party and though not a supporter of C.J and Dr. Booker's socialist ideals, his sympathies lie with the miners and their families.