According to many sources, William H. Krell was a white Chicago bandleader whose place in ragtime history is assured by being credited with being the first to publish a composition with the word "rag" in its title, namely Mississippi Rag (1897). The cover was also records the first publication of the word "rag-time". The pundits point out however that it was not actually a true rag, but a cakewalk. Whatever its merits, Mississippi Rag continues to this day to be widely performed and recorded by all manner of artists ranging from solo pianists to brass quintets. One year later in 1898 Krell's Shake Yo' Dusters or Piccaninny Rag, which has genuine ragtime elements, was published thus asserting his position in the roots of ragtime.
Note: The Internet seems to be equally divided regarding Krell's year of birth placing it as either 1868 or 1873. For convenience the latter is given here.

Websites:
	William H. Krell	Biography and list of works by "Perfessor" Bill Edwards

Fighting Bob Evans Music by: William H. Krell. Publisher: S. Brainard's Sons Co. Suppliers: Printed: 1898. Sheet Music.