Who is The Taylor Family from Elijah of Buxton and what is their importance?

The Taylor Family is a family of runaway slaves from Arkansas that slowly approach Buxton, hiding in the woods. Emma Collins goes to them and gently coaxes them out of the woods. Spencer Freeman introduces them to their freedom, showing them the beautiful sky and land that is their new home. The family, almost hysterical with relief, hugs and wails. There are two children and a baby, a mother and a father. Emma Collins gives her little doll named Birdy to the little Taylor girl. The baby has been given too much "quieting medicine," and needs tending. The Taylors give the reader a chance to experience what it was like for a runaway slave to finally reach Buxton, to the sound of the ringing Liberty Bell and the welcome of the other freed slaves.