THOMAS J. HOLLAND, a contractor of El Paso, where are seen many splendid evidences of his skill and handiwork, is a native son of Texas, his birth having occurred at Seguin, Guadalupe county. His parents were W. B. and Rebecca Jane (Evans) Holland. The father was a native of Tennessee and in 1849 came to Texas, settling in Guadalupe county, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in San Antonio in 1860. His wife, who was likewise born in Tennessee, long survived him and died in March, 1903, in Yancey, Texas.
Thomas J. Holland was reared in his native city and after completing his education there began learning the carpenter’s trade. In 1879 he joined the large concourse of people that were attracted to Leadville, Colorado, in the mining boom; but after remaining there for some time he returned to Texas, locating at Hillsboro, where he did the construction work on the First National Bank built in that town. In 1886 he came to El Paso, where he has since made his home, and as a contractor has erected many of the prominent buildings of the city, beginning with the old Masonic hall at the corner of San Antonio and Mesa avenues, while during the present unprecedented period of building operation in the city he is and has been engaged on the construction of many of the substantial structures, including the new Sister’s Academy on North El Paso street. He also built the college building at Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is justly regarded as one of the leading contractors of this city with a business that has constantly increased in volume and importance.
While in Luling Mr. Holland was married to Miss Jennie Hatchett and they have a daughter, Edna Earle Holland. Mr. Holland served as city marshal of Seguin in his early manhood and since coming to El Paso has been prominently identified with the general growth and the business and political interests of this city. He was chief of the volunteer fire department in 1898, and upon his retirement from that office was presented with a very handsome gold medal badge. For many years he has been either directly connected with or interested in the fire department, and has taken just pride in its advancement to its present efficiency. Whatever tends to benefit the city along any line of progress is of interest to him and in his own business career he has made an excellent record for fidelity and capability.
Source: B. B. Paddock, History and Biographical Record of North and West Texas (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906), Vol. II, pp. 472-473.