William Gunton (1791-1880): An English druggist in America

In 1807 William Gunton, then aged 16, departed his home in Aylsham, Norfolk, for America with his father, leaving the rest of the family behind. They arrived in Alexandria, Virginia, before moving to Washington where William became apprenticed to Dr Ott, a well established druggist in Georgetown. Gunton spent six years there learning the drug trade, but on completing his apprenticeship he left to start his own business in Frederick, Maryland, where he met his future wife and employed his own apprentice. He became known as 'Dr Gunton' and remained there for several years, but later returned to Washington to open a drug store. He became active in various organisations and held appointments including president of a bank. He left pharmacy in 1838 to focus on other interests, and died in 1880. His life offers insight into transatlantic migration from England during the Napoleonic wars.