Hi Alice,

I'm sure you will get a better answer, but in the short-term, here is an 
idea:  possibly the lock came from a 'gate keeper's house' that cared for 
one of the 'river locks' on the James River..

See the following for an idea:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_River_and_Kanawha_Canal

Also, since you are from Fluvanna, I know you are familiar with the annual 
James River Batteau Festival (something I always wanted to come see!!)

For anyone interested in this part of history in old Virginia, here is a 
description of the bateau usage on the James:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_River_bateau

Good Luck!
Wayne Dunn

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alice Owens" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 9:54 AM
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] :Lock for a lock?


Hope someone familiar with Virginia canals and locks might be able to assist 
me...

My father who was born in 1904 had a large padlock which I inherited. This 
is a rather large lock (much larger than what I think would be used on a 
trunk or chain). it has a large key and it locks and opens well. My dad told 
me (back in the era when I was not interested in history/genealogy), that it 
was used on a canal lock. This lock was one of his "keepers" and he never 
used it, just had it set aside.

I have found in the mid 1800s census where his g-grand pa's occupation was 
"boatman"
in Buckingham...and I have seen other kin listed as "canalman" and although 
I can't find it, I believe one was listed as a lock-keeper.

My question to the list - what/how would this padlock have been used in 
connection with canal lock?

PS...my grandson is interested and I have promised it to him...but would 
love to add the history along with it.

Thanks for help and or suggestions.

Alice in Fluvanna

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