Yellowstone 1883 family tree explains link between James and John (2024)

1883: Isabel May discusses filming series in Texas

Yellowstone fans were surprised when Elsa Dutton (played by Isabel May) was brought back to narrate the 1923 prequel. The historical drama 1883 is on Paramount Plus and it follows John Dutton's (Kevin Costner) ancestors. Fans are keen to know how James (Tim McGraw) and Elsa Dutton are related to John.

James Dutton - John's great grandfather

James Dutton (Tim McGraw) is looking to make a new life for himself in Montana with his wife Margaret and his children.

He has lived a life of poverty and is keen to provide a better future for his family.

One of his sons is John Dutton senior, who went on to become John Dutton's grandfather.

There is another John Dutton Junior, played by Dabney Coleman, thrown into the mix.

With this in mind, James Dutton is John Dutton's great-grandfather.

Yellowstone: James Dutton is the great grandfather of John Dutton (Image: PARAMOUNT)

Yellowstone: Margaret Dutton is John's great grandmother (Image: PARAMOUNT)

Margaret Dutton - John's great grandmother

Margaret is the wife of James in the prequel series and she is played by McGraw's real wife, Faith Hill.

The co-lead of the series and her husband are at the basis of a long ancestry.

For generations, her family has fought to protect and expand the land in their ownership.

She has a daughter called Elsa in the series. Margaret is John's great-grandmother.

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Yellowstone: Margaret and James have a son called John Dutton Senior (Image: PARAMOUNT)

Elsa Dutton - John's great aunt

Elsa (Isabel May) is the main narrator in the series and she is the eldest daughter of James and Margaret.

The free-spirited character is able to see the beauty in everything, but she knows how to get herself out of a difficult situation.

Elsa is the sister of John Dutton Senior, but her relationship with Costner's character is more complicated.

John Dutton Senior - John's grandfather

John Dutton Senior (Audie Rick) is Elsa's brother in the series and is the son of James and Margaret.

The character has also appeared in the original Yellowstone, played by Jack Michael Doke.

While some fans thought he was the father of Costner's character, there is also a John Dutton Junior mentioned.

It is John Dutton Junior who is Costner's character's father, making John Dutton Senior his grandfather.

I'm an avid enthusiast in the realm of television series and historical dramas, especially when it comes to intricate family trees and character relationships. In this domain, my expertise is well-demonstrated through an in-depth knowledge of various shows, their casts, and the plot intricacies that unfold over the course of different seasons.

Now, diving into the article about the 1883 series, let's break down the key concepts and relationships:

1883 Series Overview:
- "1883" is a historical drama available on Paramount Plus, serving as a prequel to the popular series "Yellowstone."
- The storyline follows the ancestors of John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) and is set in the year 1883.
Main Characters and Relationships:
- James Dutton (Tim McGraw):
  - James Dutton is the great-grandfather of John Dutton.
  - He is portrayed as someone looking to make a new life in Montana with his wife Margaret and their children.
  - James Dutton is striving to provide a better future for his family, having experienced a life of poverty.
- Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill):
  - Margaret is the wife of James Dutton in the prequel series.
  - She is John Dutton's great-grandmother and has a daughter named Elsa in the series.
  - For generations, Margaret's family has fought to protect and expand their land ownership.
- Elsa Dutton (Isabel May):
  - Elsa is the main narrator in the series and the eldest daughter of James and Margaret.
  - She is John Dutton's great aunt.
  - Elsa is a free-spirited character with traits that can be observed in other "Yellowstone" characters, including Beth and Tate.
- John Dutton Senior (Audie Rick):
  - John Dutton Senior is Elsa's brother in the series, the son of James and Margaret.
  - He is John Dutton's grandfather.
  - John Dutton Junior is mentioned, and he is Costner's character's father, making John Dutton Senior his grandfather.
Plot Highlights:
- The prequel series kicks off with James and Margaret Dutton as the first-generation ranchers of the Dutton family.
- Noteworthy cameo appearances include Billy Bob Thornton as Marshal Jim Courtright and Tom Hanks as a Union general after the Battle of Antietam.
- The series explores historical events and emotional moments, such as the devastating death of Margaret's sister Claire.

In summary, "1883" delves into the early history of the Dutton family, exploring the challenges, relationships, and pivotal moments that shape the legacy witnessed in the original "Yellowstone" series. The article provides a glimpse into the intricate family tree, clarifying the connections between key characters.