You underestimate the power these employers had over their employees. The company owned everything. The only way out without paying for company run transport,

You underestimate the power these employers had over their employees. The company owned everything. The only way out without paying for company run transport, which you won't get without settling your debt, is to walk. Walkers are easily rounded up by debt collectors, and if you had a wife and children you wouldn't leave them. These towns were set up to create a supply of indentured labour.