Joseph Silversteen

Joseph
Silversteen is credited for helping bring industry to Transylvania County in
the early 1900s.  In A History of
…Estatoe Ford, Jeptha, Toxaway, Eastatoe, …Rosman, NC Rebecca Suddeth
states, “Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen were benefactors to many in the Town
of Rosman, and elsewhere.  They were
concerned about their community and the people who lived there.  They were willing to help—provide money,
land, lumber—in any way possible to aid in the betterment and enrichment of the
people.”

This generous
spirit shines through in stories such as that of the Broom family.  Rev. Hobert and Orie Jane Broom’s son, Leroy
was born with a cleft palate on August 26, 1931.  When Leroy was 3 years-old he was at the
Gloucester General Store with his father one day when they ran into Joseph
Silversteen.  Silversteen, who was known
for his love of children, talked with Rev. Broom about Leroy having
surgery.  When Broom stated that he could
not afford the surgery Silversteen offered to pay for it.

Dr. Joseph & Edith Osborne

Originally
the surgery was to occur in Atlanta but Dr. Osborne assured Silversteen and the
Brooms he could perform the procedure.

Dr. Joseph
Osborne had come to Rosman in 1933. He would serve the people of Rosman and
Transylvania County as a family doctor and dentist for the next 34 years.

Osborne was
also a pilot, a big game hunter and a photographer.  His early photographs and home movies of folks
around Rosman are available at the Library.

Following
the successful surgery, Leroy stayed with Dr. Osborne and his wife, who was a
nurse, while he healed.  The Osborne’s
were so taken with little Leroy Broom that they held a Christmas party for him,
spoiled him, and even wanted to adopt him. 

Edith. Osborne with Leroy Broom after his surgery.

Thanks to
the kindness of Joseph Silversteen and skill of Dr. Osborne Leroy Broom’s cleft
palate was repaired.  Broom ran a shoe
store in Greenville, SC for many years. 
This story and the photograph of Leroy with Edith Osborne were shared by
his sister, Mary Broom Owens.

Photographs and information for this column are
provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County
Library.  Visit the NC Room during
regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see
additional photographs.  For more
information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected] or 828-884-3151 X242.