Who is John Dutton from Jubilee and what is their importance?

John Dutton is owner of the plantation, Shady Oaks. He is a state legislator and fully believes in Southern ideals as the country seems to inevitably head toward war. John has been involved in a longstanding sexual relationship with a slave named Hetta, with whom, he has had a number of children. John promises Vryr, his daughter by Hettam that he will free her upon his death. After his death, however, his wife has other ideas.