Rowell Bosse Served Country, County

The Bosse family, 1906.  From left:  W.T., Ernest, Effie, Karl.

The Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room at the Transylvania County Library is named for local historian Rowell Bosse.  Bosse was born on July 16, 1911 to William Thomas and Effie DeLong Bosse.  He had two older brothers, Ernest (1903-1924) and Karl (1905-1947).  Rowell graduated from Brevard High School in 1929 and worked at Transylvania Tanning for several years. 

Rowell Bosse, left, WWII.

Bosse entered active service with the U.S. Army on January 7, 1943.  He served in Europe and was involved in battles at Normandy and Rhineland.  Bosse was awarded the EAME Campaign Medal with four bronze stars.  He was discharged on November 2, 1945.

In May 1948 Rowell Bosse began working as a cashier for Transylvania Trust on Main St. in Brevard.  He worked for the bank for 28 years, even as it was bought out and changed names. 

When First Union National Bank opened a Rosman branch in February 1958 Bosse was placed in charge of it.  The Rosman bank was robbed on October 26, 1964 and again on April 29, 1966.  Both times Bosse was working.  It was robbed a third time in August 1966 while he was on vacation.  Although the thieves got away with money all three times, Bosse’s calm and clear thinking helped lead to their capture and prosecution.  One of the August 1966 thieves was involved in the April hold-up and Rowell was able to identify him after his capture.

Rowell Bosse retired from banking in 1976 and began full-time pursuit of his main interests—hiking, fishing, camping, botany, and history.

Next week’s article will focus on Bosse’s activities with the North Carolina Bartram Trail Society, the Historic Properties Commission and the Transylvania County Historical Society.  Throughout July, the 2^nd floor display cases at the Library will feature materials representing his life and interests.  On Friday, July 15 there will be a celebration of Rowell’s preservation efforts and their continuation with a brief presentation at 1:00 pm.

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.