Who is Danjel Andreasson from Unto a Good Land a Novel and what is their importance?

Danjel Andreasson is a member of the group who travels from Sweden to America. Andreasson's wife dies on the voyage to America, and his children are taken care of by Ulrika. After arriving in America, Danjel wishes to return to Sweden but is banned because of religious "breaches." He is Kristina's uncle.