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