The students of the Radical University: Edgar Douglas

Edgar James Douglas (b. Abt. 1856)
South Carolina.  Black.  
Occupation: farmer
Father's occupation: farmer, postmaster.

Edgar Douglas was born around 1856 in South Carolina to Mundy and Levicy Douglas.  Mundy worked in Statesburg, South Carolina (in Sumter County) as a farmer and as constable.

In 1870, Edgar was living with his parents in Statesburg.  He registered as a student at the University of South Carolina at some point between February 1874 and January 1876.  The university closed before he completed his degree.

After the university closure, Edgar returned to Statesburg and worked as a farmer.  In 1880, he was renting 16 acres of land. On the land, he raised swine and poultry and grew Indian corn, hops, peas, and beans. He  had achieved enough success at farming that he was able to pay his rent in cash (instead of sharecropping). 

In 1883, Edgar was appointed postmaster of Statesburg.

Edgar last appears in the historical record in 1900. By that year, he had moved to Chester county and continued to farm. 

Sources 
1). 1870; Census Place: Statesburg, Sumter, South Carolina; Roll: M593_1509; Page: 236A;

2). 1870; Census Place: Statesburg, Sumter, South Carolina; Roll: M593_1509; Page: 236B

3). 1880; Census Place: Statesburg, Sumter, South Carolina; Roll: 1241; Page: 302B

4). Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971. NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls. Records of the Post Office Department, Record Group Number 28. Washington, D.C.: National Archives

5). 1900; Census Place: Blackstock, Chester, South Carolina; Page: 21; Enumeration District: 0004; FHL microfilm: 1241522