mccutcheon had two brothers and one sister. his older brother was journalist and novelist george barr mccutcheon (1866–1928), who authored "graustark" (1901) and its related books, as well as other literary works. ben frederick mccutcheon, the youngest brother, became a columnist for the "chicago tribune" and after 1905 its commercial editor. ben mccutcheon also headed in publishing company. all three brothers wrote and did drawings during their youth. their sister was jessie (mccutcheon) nelson.