Career
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, he received a primary education before becoming a farm worker and apprentice printer, running his own printing business by 1871. He sat on Hindmarsh, Unley, and Adelaide City councils, and was President of the South Australian Liberal Union. The South Australian Labor Government attempted to install James O"Loghlin in the vacancy, but this appointment was also declared void, ordering a special election.
Vardon and O"Loghlin both contested the election, with Vardon winning with 53.7% of the vote.
