Born on December 11, 1853, in Oswego County, New York, Carland attended the University of Michigan and read law in 1877.

He served as a special assistant to the United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota.

[2] Carland received a recess appointment from President Grover Cleveland on August 31, 1896, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota vacated by Judge Alonzo J. Edgerton.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 15, 1896, and received his commission the same day.

His service terminated on February 6, 1911, due to his elevation to the Commerce Court and Eighth Circuit.