Born May 3, 1871, Ellis W. Holland spent his entire life in Bell County. A rancher and businessman, Mr. Holland produced Belton, Texas’ first July 4th rodeo in 1924. He continued on the July 4th Celebration Committee until 1940. In the early years of this rodeo, he leased bucking horses from the Texas State Penitentiary.
Ellis W. Holland, Sr. passed away April 21, 1944.
