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 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