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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