This happened to Daddy and his second wife when they lived in either Rusk or Lufkin anyway Daddy ended up in jail in Lufkin probably for non child support or being vagrant or drunk. He was put on the Chain Gang..

 from Lufkin and was wearing a ball and chain. They were out working somewhere between Flo and Sand Flats where there are three rivers and numerous creeks between here and there and lots of places to run off and so he did. As quick as he got to Sand Flats he went to the Dodds house for help. Gracie Dodds went to work on the task of cutting the shackle off Daddy's leg. Before she could finish the job the Sheriff from Lufkin showed up. Mrs. Dodds let Daddy down into the well then went and told the Sheriff he wasn't anywhere around there. The Sheriff watered his horse and left. Mrs. Dodds got Daddy back out of the well and finished the job of cutting the ball and chain off. When I was a youngster Daddy always rubbed that leg. Junior Lathrop was who told me the story. Before she died I asked Mrs. Dodds if it was so. She said it was a true story.      

Jack Bell