Throughout the 18th century, John Drayton amassed his fortunes through the cultivation of various crops, including the
growing and processing of indigo for use in the creation of a deep blue dyestuff popular in Europe. One artifact
that survives from this period is his stamp wrought with his name “I. Drayton.” Because the stamp is made of a lightweight metal that is unable to withstand the high temperatures required for branding, it was likely used to mark indigo cakes prior to sale, as a mark of the manufacturer and an assurance of quality.