I also would be very interested to see a picture of the lock.  Maybe it will give someone a better clue.

Claude Richards
 
"Government is not reason. It is not eloquence. Government is force; like fire it is a dangerous servant -- and a fearful master.” 

—George Washington



> Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 06:54:37 -0700
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: :Lock for a lock?
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> 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
> 
> To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at
> http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html
 		 	   		  
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html