Chattel tax may be recovered by distress or suit

If any chattel tax shall be unpaid at the time fixed for the payment thereof or returned delinquent, as authorized by this title, the county treasurer may not only distrain property for the payment thereof, but may recover the tax, with the penalties thereon, by action at law, proceedings in attachment or other means authorized by law to be used by private individuals in the collection of debts, which action or other proceedings shall be prosecuted in the name of such treasurer and if he shall die or go out of office before the termination of such action or proceeding or the final collection of the money, or any judgment or order therein, his successor or successors may, from time to time, be substituted as plaintiffs therein.