Silversteen, Osborne Help Boy With Cleft Palate

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 marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.