[1] Although descended from one of the pioneer settlers of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Barland was born in San Francisco, California, and received his early education on the island of Oahu in what was then the Territory of Hawaii.

He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1947 and attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he received his bachelor's degree in economics in 1951.

[2] During his early career, Barland became extremely active with Eau Claire civic organizations: He was a major fundraiser for the local chapter of the American Red Cross, becoming chairman of the chapter; he was active with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, receiving a distinguished service award in 1959; he was chairman of the Eau Claire Downtown Modernization Steering Committee, vice president of the local Family Service Association, vice president of the Eau Claire County Taxpayers Association, vice president of the Foreign Film Society, and a member of the Civic Music Association.

[6] He also served on the Board on Government Operations, which was charged with managing emergency appropriations, and given oversight power over the state Department of Administration.

[6] In 1965, new governor Warren P. Knowles asked the legislature to create a temporary commission to recommend a streamlining of the state's Administrative branch.

In 2009, Governor Jim Doyle appointed Judge Barland to the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board for a term to expire May 1, 2015.

[14] In 2015, Wisconsin Republicans chose to abolish the Government Accountability Board as part of a broader effort to rein in independent oversight institutions within the state.

Judge Barland referred to the action as, "a great step backwards," and said the board had been victim of "a political lynching.

Thomas and Jill Barland also maintain a donor fund at the Eau Claire Community Foundation and have been actively involved in the management of the organization.