Iron Puddler

An iron puddler or (often merely puddler) is an occupation involved in the manufacture of iron. The process of puddling was the occupation's chief responsibility and involvement. Puddling was an improved process to convert pig iron into wrought iron with the use of a reverberatory furnace.

Working as a two-man crew, a puddler and helper could produce about 1500 kg of iron in a 12-hour shift. The strenuous labor, heat and fumes caused puddlers to have a very short life expectancy, with most dying in their 30s. Puddling was never able to be automated because the puddler had to sense when the balls had "come to nature."

James J. Davis, who was born in Tredegar, Wales, emigrated to the United States where he later became a prominent figure in government, serving as a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, and as U.S. Secretary of Labor of Labor under three consecutive Presidents. His book, The Iron Puddler, describing his early experiences as a puddler was ghostwritten by C. L. Edson.

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