Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, August 12, 1916
Walter Isaac Vandorn
Sergeant Walter I. Vandorn was counting out convicts at the Clemens State Farm in Brazoria County preparatory to going to work after the noon hour. While Sergeant Vandorn still had his face toward the last man in the forward squad he was counting, a convict rushed forward and plunged an improvised dirk from a case knife into the sergeant’s breast. Sergeant Vandorn was able to take a few steps backward, drew his pistol and inflicted a death wound upon his assailant. Sergeant Vandorn fell to the floor dying almost instantly. The convict survived him but a few moments.
Very little is known about Vandorn. He was born on February 18, 1887 in Matagorda County, Texas. The 1910 US census for Colorado County reported that he was a convict camp guard. He was single. His father was Isaac Vandorn, and his mother was Rosa Torristies. His place of burial has not been located.
The Clemens State Farm located in Brazoria County was established in 1883 as a part of the Texas State Penitentiary System (1848-1926), and is still an active prison unit today as a part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Stabbed
- Weapon Edged weapon; Dirk
- Offender killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsHeroes live forever, Sergeant Vandorn, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the great State of Texas.
Greater Houston C.O.P.S.
August 12, 2013
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