The Dutton Family Tree

The Dutton family, at the heart of the popular TV series Yellowstone and its spinoffs 1883 and 1923, is a sprawling dynasty with a complex network of relationships. Although the immediate Dutton family members are the most prominent characters, numerous other individuals are connected to the family, either by blood or by loyalty. Here we delve into the lives of these lesser-known characters too, offering a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of the Dutton family, as well as some unique and interesting facts about each person.

You can view an interactive version of the Dutton family tree built in Kintree below, or access a full size version in a separate tab by clicking here.

James Dutton, the founding patriarch of the Dutton family and creator of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, originated from a farming background in Tennessee. Tormented by his Civil War experiences, during which he served the Confederate army and endured time as a prisoner of war, James resolved to start anew out west with his family in 1883. Accompanied by his wife Margaret, their children Elsa and John, his sister Claire, and Claire's daughter Mary Abel, James embarked on a wagon train journey from Fort Worth, Texas. However, the expedition was fraught with misfortune. In the wake of Elsa's death on the trail, John and the remaining family members opted to establish their home in Montana, which would eventually become the renowned Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Margaret Dutton, wife of James Dutton and the matriarch of the Dutton family, was a woman of immense strength and resilience. With a stoic nature that masked a deep well of compassion, Margaret supported her husband's vision of building a new life for their family out west. She faced the many challenges and hardships that came with the journey, including the loss of her daughter Elsa, with unwavering determination. Margaret's wisdom and guidance have left a lasting impact on the Dutton family and have shaped their legacy for generations to come.

The brother of James and Claire Dutton, Jacob became the family patriarch when James eventually passes away in the early 1900s. He is married to Cara and they have no children of their own.

Cara is the wife of Jacob Dutton, who joins Jacob as the new heads of the family ranch when James passes away.

We don’t know much about Henry other than he died sometime before the events of 1883, leading his wife, Claire, and daughter, Mary Abel, to travel with the rest of the Dutton crew.

Following the death of Henry, Claire and her daughter Mary Abel joined her brother James and his family in Fort Worth, Texas. A strict woman, Claire saw herself as a proper lady and refused to resort to begging in the streets of Tennessee after becoming a widow. Known for her ruthless approach to discipline, she demonstrated to Margaret the correct way to discipline her daughter, Elsa. Claire bore seven children, including Mary Abel, all of whom passed away before the series begins. Unbroken by her husband's death, Claire faced a turning point when she confronted Clide Barker's gang, leading to a violent attack that claimed the lives of several immigrants, including her daughter. Devastated by Mary Abel's death, Claire's resolve crumbled, and she ultimately chose to end her life at her daughter's gravesite.

Sam is a Comanche warrior in Kansas who stumbles along the Texas-Oregan Caravan in 1883. His real name is unknown and states that he took the name after killing his wife’s murderer of the same name. He enters into a romantic relationship with Elsa Dutton, but remains behind to defend his land as Elsa and the Dutton family travel onward.

Elsa Dutton, James and Margaret's eldest child, was a young woman of great courage and spirit and served as the narrator for 1883. Elsa Dutton formed a close bond with Ennis, a cowhand from the wagon train they traveled with, and their relationship eventually received her father's approval. Tragically, Ennis was killed during a bandit attack. Later, Elsa met Sam, a Comanche warrior, and the two quickly became enamored with each other. Sam saved Elsa's life multiple times, and they planned to reunite after her family's journey to Oregon. However, their wagon train encountered a vengeful Lakota war party, and Elsa sustained a severe injury while trying to defend her fellow travelers. Despite her efforts to explain the truth behind the Lakota women and children's deaths, Elsa's arrow wound proved fatal. In her final moments, Elsa chose a spot in Paradise Valley to die, and her father honored her by deciding to establish their new home there.

John Dutton, the second child and eldest son of James and Margaret Dutton, was born in 1878 and began his life's journey with the Texas-Oregon Wagon Train at the age of five. He persevered through numerous challenges, including bandit and native attacks, harsh weather, and dangerous terrain. In the years that followed, John witnessed his parents' tragic deaths and helped his uncle Jacob build the ranch. During World War I, while his brother Spencer went to Europe, John stayed on the ranch with his wife Emma and son Jack. Conflict arose when the Duttons clashed with Irish sheepherder Banner Creighton, which ultimately led to John's death in an ambush.

The wife of John Dutton Sr. and the mother of Jack Dutton. After the death of her beloved husband, John, Emma died by suicide.

Spencer Dutton, the youngest child of James and Margaret Dutton, faced significant loss early in life, with both parents passing away during a harsh winter. After serving in the Great War, Spencer coped with trauma through heavy drinking and big game hunting in Africa. In Nairobi, he met Alexandra, a young British woman who left her fiancé for him. The couple faced many adventures together, including a hostile elephant encounter and a night spent in a tree amidst predators. While vacationing in Zanzibar, Spencer received a letter from his aunt Cara detailing his family's dire situation back home. Racing against time, Spencer and Alexandra embarked on a treacherous journey to return to the States, enduring tragic setbacks along the way.

Alexandra Dutton is a spirited and adventurous young British woman who finds love and purpose in an unexpected place. While visiting Kenya with her fiancé Arthur, she meets Spencer Dutton, an American hunter working for the Protectorate. Captivated by Spencer's courage and rugged charm, Alexandra leaves Arthur behind to pursue a life with Spencer. As they embark on thrilling adventures together, their love grows stronger, culminating in their marriage officiated by a sea captain. Throughout the series, Alexandra's character embodies the spirit of a fearless woman who embraces change and forges her own path in life.

Mary Abel is the daughter of Claire, James Dutton's sister. After Claire's husband, Henry, passes away, the mother-daughter duo joins James and his family in Fort Worth, Texas for their journey westward. As part of the Dutton family's wagon train, Mary Abel faces the trials and tribulations of the arduous journey. Tragically, she becomes a victim of a brutal attack by a gang led by Clide Barker, which ultimately results in her untimely death. Her passing deeply affects her mother Claire, who is ultimately broken by the loss of her daughter.

Jack Dutton is the son of John Dutton and his wife, Emma. Growing up on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, Jack learns the importance of family and the challenges of ranch life. During a range war between the Duttons and Banner Creighton, an Irish sheepherder, Jack is nearly killed when the sheepherders open fire on him. After the conflict, Jack is left to carry on the Dutton legacy when his father, John, is tragically killed in an ambush by Banner and his fellow Irish sheepherders. Despite the loss of his father, Jack remains resilient, striving to honor and protect his family's ranch for future generations.

Elizabeth Dutton is the loving and supportive wife of Jack Dutton. She embraces her role within the family and the responsibilities of ranch life. Elizabeth stands by Jack's side through various challenges, such as the conflict described above. As they face adversity together, Elizabeth proves to be a strong and resourceful partner, working with Jack to preserve the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and uphold the Dutton family legacy for generations to come.

The second John Dutton in the family, John Dutton II later becomes the father of John Dutton III and grandfather to Lee, Jamie, Beth and Kayce. We don’t know who is wife was, and it hasn’t been made clear exactly who his parents were. We do know that he was directly descended from 1883’s James and Margaret Dutton, so in our family tree, we have depicted his parents as Jack and Elizabeth Dutton for now.

John Dutton III, the central character in Yellowstone, is a strong-willed and determined rancher who manages the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. As the modern patriarch of the Dutton family, he is fiercely protective of his land and family, often facing numerous external threats and conflicts. Balancing complex relationships with his children and navigating the ever-changing dynamics of the modern world, John Dutton III embodies the resilience and grit required to preserve the family legacy and safeguard their treasured ranch.

Evelyn Dutton, the wife of John Dutton II and mother to Lee, Jamie, Beth, and Kayce Dutton, was a loving and devoted partner and mother. Her strength and resilience in the face of adversity were a constant source of inspiration and support for her family. Tragically, Evelyn passed away in a horse-riding accident, leaving a profound void in the lives of her loved ones. Her memory, however, continues to shape the Dutton family's values and sense of purpose.

Peter Dutton is a lesser-known character from the Yellowstone TV series and is portrayed as one of John Dutton III's siblings. Not much is known about Peter, as he is only briefly mentioned and does not have a significant role in the series. It is clear, however, that John Dutton III shoulders the responsibility of managing the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, while Peter's involvement in the family's affairs remains minimal or largely unknown.

As the adopted son of John Dutton III, he initially serves as an attorney and legal advisor for the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Jamie is known for his complex and often strained relationships with his family members, particularly his siblings, Beth and Kayce Dutton. Throughout the series, Jamie struggles with feelings of loyalty, identity, and acceptance within the Dutton family, as well as his desire to seek power and recognition. These internal conflicts lead him to make choices that significantly impact both the ranch and his family dynamics.

Christina is a political campaign consultant who works with Jamie Dutton during his campaign for Montana Attorney General. As Jamie's love interest and confidante, Christina provides him with professional guidance and emotional support. Their relationship adds depth to Jamie's character, revealing his softer and more vulnerable side. Although Christina does not have direct involvement with the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, her presence in the series influences Jamie's decisions and his interactions with his family.

Lee Dutton, the oldest son of John Dutton II and Evelyn Dutton, was a skilled rancher and dedicated family man. Known for his strong work ethic and loyalty to his family, Lee played a crucial role in the management of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Tragically, Lee was killed in a violent confrontation with a rival rancher, leaving his family to mourn his loss and grapple with the impact of his absence on the family's ranching operations.

Rip Wheeler is a loyal and trusted ranch hand at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, serving as a right-hand man to John Dutton III. Rip has a troubled past, which includes a history of violence, but John took him in and gave him a sense of purpose and belonging at the ranch. Over time, Rip develops a deep bond with the Dutton family, particularly Beth Dutton, with whom he shares a complex and passionate love story. Rip's unwavering loyalty to John and the Dutton family often leads him to carry out morally questionable actions to protect the ranch and its interests.

Beth Dutton, the only daughter of John Dutton II and Evelyn Dutton, is a fiercely intelligent and strong-willed woman who has made her mark in the world of finance. Her razor-sharp wit and unapologetic approach to life have made her a formidable force both in the boardroom and on the ranch. Beth's tumultuous relationship with her brother Jamie and her complex bond with her father have led to numerous dramatic moments within the Dutton family. Despite her outward toughness, Beth's deep love for her family and the ranch is unwavering, and she remains a key player in the family's continued success.

Kayce Dutton, the youngest son of John Dutton II and Evelyn Dutton, is a former Navy SEAL who has struggled to adjust to civilian life after his time in the military. His marriage to Monica, a Native American woman from the nearby Broken Rock Reservation, has further complicated his relationship with his family and their ranching operations. However, as Kayce gradually reestablishes his connection to the ranch and his family, he begins to find his place within the Dutton dynasty. His military background and strong moral compass make him a valuable asset in the ongoing struggle to protect and preserve the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Monica Dutton, Kayce Dutton's wife and the mother of their son, Tate, is a dedicated wife, mother, and educator who has faced her own set of challenges in her life with the Dutton family. Balancing her loyalty to her husband and son with her commitment to her own Native American heritage, Monica often finds herself navigating the delicate balance between the two worlds. Her unique perspective and strength of character have made her an essential member of the Dutton family, even as she continues to challenge and question the status quo.

Jamie Dutton II is the infant son of Jamie Dutton and Christina. The baby is currently unnamed so we have just called him Jamie Dutton II for now.

Tate Dutton, the son of Kayce and Monica Dutton, represents the future of the Dutton family legacy. Raised on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, Tate has been immersed in the family's values and traditions from a young age. As he grows, he must learn to navigate the complexities of his family's history and the larger world around him. With the guidance and support of his parents and extended family, Tate is poised to carry on the Dutton family's ranching traditions and contribute to the ongoing success of their legacy.

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