In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, who were the group of men that came to visit Atticus at his house?

At the beginning of Chapter 15, a group of men, which includes Heck Tate, Link Deas, Dr. Reynolds, Mr. Avery, and other familiar men throughout town, stand outside Atticus' home and talk to him. Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that he is worried about housing Tom Robinson in the Maycomb jailhouse for the night, and Atticus assures him that nothing bad will happen. Link Deas mentions that the only people they need to worry about are the Old Sarum bunch. Atticus remains calm, but the other men are unsure and mention that it is a "special occasion." Link Deas tells Atticus that he has everything to lose by defending Tom Robinson, but Atticus explains that he is adamant about making sure the truth is told during the trial. Jem anxiously watches the men talk from inside the house, and jumps as soon as the phone rings. When Atticus enters the home, he explains to Jem that the men outside are their friends.