Personal Details
Name: Chris Vance
Date of Birth: March 2, 1881
Gender: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190 lbs
Hair Color: Graying, Dark brown
Eye Color: Brown
Notable Features (scars, tattoos, limp, etc.): Faint scar across left cheek from a branding accident in his youth
Family Ties
Wife: Olivia Vance
Children: None
Mother: Mary Vance (née Hamilton) – Deceased
Father: Richard Vance – Deceased
Sibling(s):
- Clara Vance, younger sister (resides in Austin)
- Thomas Vance, older brother (missing after land dispute in 1907)
Extended Family (if applicable): Numerous cousins in nearby counties, some tied to rival ranches
Early Life & Upbringing
Chris Vance was born and raised on the same soil he now calls his own. The Vance Homestead was founded by his grandfather after the Civil War, and Chris was brought up with strong principles—hard work, loyalty, and protecting family above all. As a boy, he learned to ride, rope, and shoot before he could even write his name. Life wasn’t easy, and after his father’s death in 1899, Chris took over most responsibilities at the age of 18, gradually becoming the de facto head of the household.
Current Role & Ranch Life
Chris is the sole owner and operator of the Vance Homestead, one of the oldest ranches in the region. Known for its cattle and stubborn independence, the Homestead is currently facing modern pressures—encroaching oil companies, corrupt lawmen, and old family rivalries heating back up. Chris is respected in town, though his stern manner and refusal to sell out have earned him just as many enemies as friends.
He is often caught in the crossfire of land disputes, water rights battles, and political tensions between old Texas families. A quiet leader and a man of few words, Chris commands respect through presence and principle.
Timeline of Key Events
- March 2, 1881 — Born on Vance Homestead, outside Liberty Hill, Texas
- November 1899 — Assumed ranch operations after father's death
- June 1907 — Brother Thomas disappears during border conflict with nearby McCarty Ranch
- October 1918 — Serves briefly in domestic defense unit during WWI, returns to ranch afterward
- October 1919 — After returning to Texas, Joins the National Guard Reserves
- March 1923 — Refuses buyout from Black River Oil Co., marking start of tensions with powerful outside interests
Notable Achievements & Role Changes
- Head of Vance Homestead — November 1899
- Recognized Community Mediator — May 1914
- Founder, Liberty Hill Cattlemen's Alliance — February 1922
Optional Sections:
- Allies: Sheriff Wallace Grady (tentative), Ruth Miller (local doctor), Benjamin Carter (long-time ranch hand)
- Enemies: The McCarty Family, Black River Oil Co. agents
- Rivalries or Conflicts: Ongoing border dispute with McCarty Ranch; water rights debate with Weller family
- Notable Possessions: Colt Single Action Army revolver (engraved), family branding iron passed down from grandfather