In 1865, William A Turner started as a druggist and apothecary in Pawtucket. His business was located at 17 Main Street in what was then known as the Hotel Block. He was the sole proprietor of Black Hawk Cough Drops for coughs, colds, asthma, and other throat and lung diseases. He was the proprietor for Southern Specific, a medicine for summer complaints.

Turner stayed in business for only six years and in 1861 sold out to George T. Dana & Co., Apothecaries who remained at the Main Street address.