William Kelly, an American ironmaster, invented a process of steelmaking in which air is blown through molten pig iron to oxidize and remove unwanted impurities.  This process produced steel faster and cheaper than any other method.  Although Kelly discovered the process initially, Henry Bessemer acquired the English patent for this process first, so it became known as the Bessemer process.  William Kelly is viewed as the originator of the steelmaking process.  

Engraving - Date Unknown

Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2018