On August 4, 1863 “Uncle Abe” set the slaves free. After returning home, Overton crossed over into Missouri and broke hemp for the slave holders as the slaves had emigrated to Kansas (a free state).
After breaking hemp three or four days, Overton bought a calf and continued working and buying calves until he owned fourteen head of steers. He took them to Kansas, and after keeping them a year, sold them for three times what he paid for them.
(Estimated date)