Who is Abbot Anthony, or St. Anthony of the Prairie from One Thousand White Women and what is their importance?

Anthony is a young anchorite who joins the Cheyennes as spiritual adviser when Reverend Hare is terminated in disgrace. Anthony is truly a peaceful spirit and is the first religious leader who actually provides guidance and sustenance for the women. As he planned, Anthony built an Abbey in the hills above the Powder River. As an old man, he adds his own notations to May Dodd's diaries.