How is John Dutton in 1883 related to John Dutton in Yellowstone? Family tree explained 

The 1883 prequel of Yellowstone takes the viewers to the origins of the family. In the main Yellowstone, they are established ranch owners but 1883 actually answers how they end up owning a ranch and the looming challenges. It showcases young John Dutton I, as a survivor kid of James and Margret who is later adopted by Jacod, James' brother, and his wife Cara.

In 1923, we see the same John Dutton I as an adult played by James Badge Dale. He can be seen forming a family with his wife Emma and son Jack. Read further to know the complete family tree of the Dutton family in detail.

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How is John Dutton in 1883 related to John Dutton in Yellowstone?

In 1883 James Dutton got married to Margret Dutton and had three children Elsa, John Sr., and Spencer. He left the West after serving his time fighting the Civil War. James and his family journey towards the East. This journey was perilous with illness, and various threats by native Americans and other settler communities posing obstacles for them.

As a result, their teenage daughter Elsa gets wounded with an arrow. While dying she wishes for a paradise-like burial place and that is how the family ends up in Montana. They start to claim territory around Elsa's burial and over time expand the ranch further.

Here comes Jacob Dutton, James' brother who somehow manages to save John Sr. and Spencer. They raise them and also take care of the ranch.

Now, in 1923 we see John Sr. as an adult, who takes care of the ranch and gets killed in the middle of the show leaving the ranch for his descendants. Eventually, John Dutton Sr.'s descendants led to the birth of John Dutton II which has not been clearly shown in the prequels. John Dutton II is John Dutton III’s father in Yellowstone played by Kevin Costner.

Therefore, John Dutton in 1883 is the great-great-grandfather of John Dutton III in Yellowstone.

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Who are the potential parents of John Dutton II? explored in 1883

Indeed there are more crucial characters in the Dutton family, like John's brother Spencer Dutton, whom we don't see in 1883 but becomes a prominent character in 1923. He might be the father of John Dutton II.

Jack Dutton is the son of Emma and John Dutton I, he marries Elizabeth Strafford. It was speculated that he would give birth to John Dutton II, but by the end of 1923, Elizabeth suffered a miscarriage. Therefore Spencer and Alex are potential parents of John Dutton II.

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While 1883 primarily focuses on Margret and James Dutton, we also see other prominent characters who contribute significantly to the central narrative of the show such as Shea Brennan played by Sam Elliott and Thomas played by LaMonica Garrett.