The students of the Radical University: Erastus V. Cannon

Erastus V. Cannon
From findagrave.com

Erastus Vanlieu Cannon (b. September 18, 1856; d. November 23, 1893)
South Carolina.  White.
Occupation: assistant postmaster,
Father's occupation: farmer.

Erastus V. Cannon was born in South Carolina to Sarah and Simpson Cannon.  Simpson was a wealthy farmer in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.  The family had deep roots in region.  The Cannons were descended from the Revolutionary War heros Colonel John Thomas Sr and John Thomas Jr.  John Sr was a member of the first Provincial Congress of South Carolina, and both father and son served in the Spartan Regiment (made up of soldiers from Union and Spartanburg counties). John Jr. commanded the regiment at the Battle of the Cowpens.  

Erastus was admitted to the University of South Carolina as a scholarship student in fall 1875.  He was a college student on the modern studies track, but the 1877 university closure prevented him from completing his degree.

After the university closure, Erastus returned to Spartanburg.  Around 1880, he was working as in the Spartanburg, as assistant postmaster and as a clerk.

Erastus died in 1893 and was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Spartanburg.

Sources

1). 1860; Census Place: Northern Division, Spartanburg, South Carolina; Page: 218

2). 1870; Census Place: Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina; Roll: M593_1508; Page: 581B

3). 1880; Census Place: Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina; Roll: 1240; Page: 6C

4). Application of "John Richardson Cannon",  June 11, 1968.  Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970. Louisville, Kentucky: National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Microfilm, 508 rolls

5). By United States. Department of the Interior, Official Register of the United States...Volume 2.  U.S. Government Printing Office.  1879.

6). By United States. Department of the Interior, Official Register of the United States...Volume 2.  U.S. Government Printing Office.  1881.

7). By United States. Department of the Interior, Official Register of the United States...Volume 2.  U.S. Government Printing Office.  1883.

8). By United States. Department of the Interior, Official Register of the United States...Volume 2.  U.S. Government Printing Office.  1884.

9) 12) Yorkville Enquirer [York, SC]. October 13, 1875. p. 2.