There is info in the book I have Cush: A Civil War Memoir which is a collection of articles written by Samuel H Sprott of Company A later in life and published in the newspaper Our Southern Home. In that newspaper published on January 26, 1899: "... While at Demopolis we lost our first man, Ed. Vann from near Cuba. He was taken with pneumonia and lived but a few days. He was an excellent man and doutless would have made a fine soldier had he lived. His death cast a gloom over the camp."

published on February 9 1899, Sprott says Ed Vann died at Demopolis, AL a few weeks after the company was organized: J.P. Vann was accidentally killed at Mobile by John Praytor in 1864

published on February 8, 1900
"About the later part of November or first of December a very sad and unfortunate accident happened on the picket line...." - this article is long and I don't care to type it all but it goes into exactly what happened to "J. P. Vann- known as Tobe Vann- of Co. A"

You really need to get a copy of this book! Also be sure and link to Ken Jones's website under the heading at the top of this page. you can then find the info he has linked to the 40th AL including my ancestor's letters home (Co. K). email me at rrraye AT yahoo.com and I'll scan that page in the book on J.P Vann and send over to you.