Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1927-09-16


here, in performing the last
rites to the memory of Vann.
vann's death brings to a close the
career OF one OF the most colorfui
figures in border history. He was
for a time a character actor in
movies in California, playing the
part in pictures which he played so
many years in real life--that Of a
peace officer. For a time she was
assistant sergeant-at-armB Of the
Texas House Of representatives.,
during the Thirtyninth legisla-
ture. Later he sold life insurance.
But the principal life work Of Cap
tain Nann was that Of "a peace Of
ficer. From the time he was a
youth he has worn the badge Of an
officer, with but a small period from
1922 until 1927 intervening, when he
tried his hand az the other occupa-
tions.
Officer When IS
He was made a deputy sheriff
of Leon County when he was 10
years old, 81 years ago. After serv-
ing as deputy for several years he
| became sheriff Of the county, which
position he held until 1912.
In 1913 Vann came to the Valley,
as Deputy U. :. marshal for this
| district. In 1918 he entered the
race for sheriff of Cameron county,
was nominated in the democratic
primaries, and was elected. He took
office in 1914.
From that time until 1922 Vann
held office continuously, winning the
position every two years with proc
tically no opposition.
IL was during The early days OF
his tenure Of office here as sheriff
that he came into public notice
during the days Of bandit trouble.
In the stirring times Of 1915 and
1916, when bands Of outlaws crossed
the Rio GTande from the south
bank to raid ranches and homes on
the American side, Vann and his Of
ficers, and the citizenship Of the
county joined hands with officers
and citizens in Hidalgo and Willacy
counties, and protected property in
the Valley.
In 1922 vann lost out in the race
for sheriff, being defeated by Col
Sam Robertson Of San Benito.
Went To Austin
Vann then went 10 Austin. where
he was assistant sergeant-at-arms OF
tie house Of Representatives. There
he also attracted attention, with his
outstanding appearances, being more
than six feet In height, and built
in proportion, and with his silver,
flowing hair.
IL was while he was at Austin
that scouts for a moving picture
concern In Hollyoowd noticed him,
and signed Vann TO appear i'm films
He played the part Of a sheriff In
several films in Hollywood.
In 1925 Vann returned TO Browns
vile, and entered the life insurance
business here, and which business
he continued until January OF this
year, when he again took up his du-
ties as sheriff of Cameron county.
Col. Robertson had resigned M
sheriff after winning the office
again In 1924. and L. G. Nichols OF
Hasiingen finished out his term OF
office Vann was a candidate fol
the democratic nomination against
Mike Manahan, and Frank Brown
and won in the first primary, the
candidates having agreed that tbs
contestant having the highest vote
in the first primary be the party
nomiEee. He was elected in the gen.
eral election over J. T. Armstrong oi
Brownsville. who was a candidate or
the republican ticket.
Taken To Hospital
Soon after he took office th,
sheriff was confined TO his bed with
an infected eye. Il was an old infee
tion, which had once before threat
sued 10 ruin the sight Of his eye
After treatment for several weeks
the infection healed. and the sheriff
was back at his duties. when II.
liver disorder which caused hil
death set In.
VAnn was taken 10 Marlin tw,
months ago. and after being ther,
for several weeks was pronounced
better. However. he suffered u sud
den setback, and was taken 10 III.
league hospital. with little hops
held out for his recovery. Deatl
came Thursday afternoons at
o'clock. after a long battle asains
the disease.
AZ the bedside Of the sheriff wher
Re died were his wife, and Duncan
II. Wright. his chief deputy sheriff
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