William Kelly (1811-1888), American iron manufacturer, invented a method of making inexpensive steel that anticipated the more famous and successful Bessemer process.

William Kelly was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of a prosperous landowner. After William was educated in the common schools of the city, he entered the drygoods trade. By the age of 35 he was senior partner in the firm of McShane & Kelly. While on a business trip to Nashville, Tenn., he met and fell in love with Mildred Gracy. She was from the town of Eddyville, Ky., which he often visited, eventually purchasing some nearby iron lands and a furnace. After their marriage he set himself up as an iron manufacturer.

At this time iron was sold in three forms, each distinguished by the amount of carbon present in the iron. Cast iron was highest in carbon content. Some cast iron was converted in forges...