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Karl R. Josker | profile | all galleries >> Lakeboats >> Kinsman Independent tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Kinsman Independent

The Independent was built in 1952 by the Defoe Shipbuilding Company at Bay City, Michigan. It was built for the Pioneer Steamship Company, and was originally named Charles L. Hutchinson. In 1962, it was sold to the Ford Motor Company, who renamed it the Ernest R. Breech. In 1988, it was sold to Kinsman, which renamed it the Independent.

Today, it sits in Buffalo, its' future uncertain, maybe not so much uncertain as bleak. Hate to see it go. It's a classic.
Independent
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Independent
Independent4-93.jpg
Independent4-93.jpg

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Jerry 20-Jun-2015 06:35
My names Jerry. My grandfather who recently passed was the captain of the kinsman Independent, and was in the convoy of three ships including the Edmond Fitzgerald the trip it sank (the Edmond Fitzgerald I mean). Such rich history. I love it.
Fred Clarke 22-Feb-2014 13:09
I worked on the Kinsmen Independent in the summer of 1972, as a porter and deckhand, prior to entering university studies in the fall. I was honoured to work on this boat, it was one of the very few "hand-bombers" coal fired boats left, 2 boilers, 8 doors, shovelling coal into the boilers. Incredible experience and an honour to work on this particular boat. the next summer, shipping out thru the Union Hall, I ended up on the McKee Sons. I still have images I took from those summers and would love to share. l will never forget those days, the boats, nor the people I met.
Eric Koski 05-Feb-2011 05:24
My father, Howard Koski, was an engineer for kinsman lines, and retired in the mid-late 80's. This legacy is great. These ships were his life. By the way, I have old flare canisters from the independent, with flares still within. Any interest by anyone? Keep the legacy going
Paul hilleren 10-Jun-2010 01:45
My wife and I were passengers on the KI in 1982. We traveled from Buffalo Ny to Duluth Mn.Had a wonderful time.

Paul and Lisa Hilleren
Ron Ashburn jr. 13-Oct-2009 01:32
my late father Ronald Ashburn Sr. was a mate on the Independent. i went on the boat to meet his friends and co-workers. They were very brave men.
T.J. Guffey 14-Jan-2009 20:40
I love these Lake Ships, I was a Merchant Marine and when I was in my teenage years my Grandfather was a Captain with Kinsman Lines. I rode these ships when I was a teenager all summer long, I loved those days.

Thank you,
T.J. Guffey
Guest 14-Jan-2009 20:33
I love looking at these old ships. My Grandfather was captain on these great lake ships. He worked for Kinsman Lines. I use to ride the ships during my summer breaks. My favorite ship of his was the Frank R. Denton.

Thank you, T.J. Guffey
Madonna 13-Jan-2008 00:15
Thank you for the memories - I've moved from Buffalo shortly after the Independent made its last voyage. I remember crossing the Skyway Bridge looking down at the Independent at the grain elevators. I'm in LA now, and seeing your photos is like recapturing a bit of home.
david 01-Jan-2006 15:55
hi i like the pic of the independant. I haver read the write up about it and i have a little more info for you. The kinsmen independant was moved across the lake to Hamilton Ontario where it was rebuilt. I believe it is called the independant now.I work on the ship while it was being rebuilt.
Laurent 12-Jan-2005 03:02
A ship with beautiful lines......
Guest 04-Sep-2004 15:40
Hi, Karl
If you are interested in the final fate of the Kinsman Independent, I will try to keep you updated. I have some picures athttp://www.pbase.com/ve3sq/shipsoftheweek and will try to get more pictures when I visit the ship in Hamilton and watch what happens to her.

Best regards,
Eric
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