The students of the Radical University: Joseph Oliver

Joseph Lawrence Oliver (b. Abt. 1858)
South Carolina.  Mulatto.
Occupation: U.S. Postal Clerk.
Mother's occupation: dressmaker.

Joseph Oliver was born in South Carolina to Emma Jackson Oliver and an unknown father.  His mother was a long-time resident of Columbia who worked as a dressmaker.

Joseph registered at the University of South Carolina on October 5, 1874.  He entered in the sub freshman (or college preparatory) class, but by 1876 he had entered the college class and was following the modern track.  The university closed before he completed his degree.

In 1880, Joseph was living in Columbia and working as a U.S. postal clerk.

Sources
1). 1880; Census Place: Columbia, Richland, South Carolina; Roll: 1238; Page: 213B; Enumeration District: 160

2). Columbia City Directory, 1879.