Who is Yokel from The Prince and the Pauper and what is their importance?

Yokel belongs to Ruffler's gang of thieves and beggars. Once a prosperous farmer, he lost his lands when they were taken over for raising sheep. His mother was burned at the stake as a witch, and afterward, they became a family of beggars. When Edward regains his crown, he restored Yokel to a comfortable living.