Born on March 29, 1837, in Wadsworth, Ohio, Pardee read law in 1859.

He served in the United States Army from 1861 to 1866, during the American Civil War.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 13, 1881, and received his commission the same day.

Pardee was assigned by operation of law to additional and concurrent service on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on June 16, 1891, to a new seat authorized by 26 Stat.

His service terminated on September 26, 1919, due to his death in Atlanta, Georgia.