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. James J. Davis, who was born in Tredegar, Wales, emigrated to The United States of America where he later became a prominent figure in government. His book, The Iron Puddler, describing his early experiences as a puddler was ghostwritten by C. L. Edson.