Thomas Drayton (1650-1726)

In 1679, he came to South Carolina from Barbados with Sir John Yeamans of St. Nicholas Abbey and Stephen & Phillis Fox. Stephen Fox acquired 402-acres in Saint-Andrew's Parish on the Ashley River. That land came to Thomas through his marriage to the Fox's daughter, Ann, and it was here that he built the Magnolia Plantation. By the time of Thomas' death, he owned several plantations; 1,300 head of cattle; upwards of 150 horses; and, 46 slaves. Thomas' youngest son built Drayton Hall.