Jasper Newton Broyles Socorro County, New Mexico

Jasper Newton Broyles. a merchant and banker of San Marcial, to whom the city is indebted for active and effective co-operation in movements for the general good, was born July 24, 1859, and came to San Marcial as ticket agent on the Santa Fe railroad in 1882. Nine months later he established a freight depot, which he conducted for three years, and in the fall of 1886 he established a small grocery business, and has since been identified with commercial interests. For several years he and his brother Lee occupied the same store, but were not partners. Jasper N. Broyles carried a stock of groceries and furniture, and in 1898 enlarged the scope of his business by adding dry goods and hardware, so that he now has a well-equipped general store. In 1904 he purchased a drug store, which he has since owned and conducted. In 1892 he established a private bank, which institution has been a source of benefit to the community as well as of individual profit.

In community affairs Mr. Broyles has taken a very deep and helpful interest, giving active aid to many plans and movements that have resulted beneficially for the city. At one time he was a school director, and he is a zealous and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1902 he established the Holiness and Missionary School, which has since been successfully conducted. He prefers that the students shall be orphans or poor children who would otherwise be denied educational advantage, and yet admission to the school is not limited to any people, class or community. The school is governed by a local board and supported by gratuities. Mrs. Broyles is at the head of the institution, and her co-workers are Mrs. S. Rose, Mrs. J. W. McCoach, C. L. Harley, J. N. Broyles and M. T. Dye. The last named was the first superintendent. Regular instruction in secular branches is given, but prominence is given also to instruction in the Bible. There is an average attendance of between eighty and one hundred and twenty pupils of all ages. There are three buildings devoted to school purposes and from three to five teachers are constantly employed. This school was founded to take the place of the poor schools in San Marcial. It has had a steady growth and is a most noteworthy and commendable institution, doing a great and good work.

Mr. Broyles was married in 1883 to Miss Zena Haney, of Lacygne, Kansas, and their children are Lawrence W., Rose, Ruth and Philip, all at home. Mr. Broyles is fraternally connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge. No. 14. Aside from his business, his attention is chiefly directed to the Holiness Mission and Bible School, which he organized and in the work of which he receives the active assistance of his wife. Prospering in his business undertakings he has manifested the true spirit of philanthropy in the assistance which he has given to his fellowmen, and his broad humanitarian principles find exemplification in his practical aid to children who would otherwise be denied educational facilities. Mr. Broyles put in an electric light plant this year, which is well patronized by citizens and the railroad.

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Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.

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