Oliver Z Pardon

Oliver Zinn Pardon was born on 26 Nov 1896 to Francis Henry Pardon (1862-1933) and Sophia W. Gash Pardon (1864-1937).

Francis Pardon was a successful bicycle shop owner from Owensboro before he moved to Henderson. The Gleaner of Feb. 29, 1916, reported that Henry F. Pardon had opened a store near the corner of Elm and Second streets selling Indian motorcycles and bicycles. He also did repairs and sold all kinds of accessories.

Oliver Z Pardon served in the US Naval Reserves during WW1.

After serving in the US Naval Reserves, Oliver Pardon followed in his father’s footsteps and opened his own bicycle and motorcycle store at 132 S Elm Street.

This photo, which T.R. Holliday provided to The Gleaner for its 1996 pictorial history, depicts a June 1920 bicycle race sponsored by Oliver Z. Pardon and his Indian motorcycle and bicycle dealership at 132 N. Elm St.
Henderson County Public Library

Oliver Pardon married Lillian E Kockritz on 23 Oct 1921.

Notice from Owensboro messenger on 25 Oct 1921:

Miss Lilian Kockritz and Mr. Oliver Pardon were married at Zion Evangelical church at Henderson at 6 o’clock Sunday morning. It was a quiet wedding, only by the immediate family. Immediately after the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Pardon left for Chicago, to return the last of the week. Upon their return they will reside at 318 Second street, Henderson. The bride is an attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kockritz of Henderson. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Pardon, of Owensboro. He moved to Henderson early in 1919 and is a prominent bicycle dealer of that city.