PERSEVERANCE

The schooner PERSEVERANCE, owned by John Greening of Cleveland, sank after a collision with the schooner GREY EAGLE in the Mackinac Straits on November 24, 1864. The PERSEVERANCE was carrying a cargo of wheat from Chicago to Ogdensburg at the time of the accident. Due to severe weather and a lost signal light, the PERSEVERANCE proceeded with a prohibited white light at night to call the attention of other vessels. The GREY EAGLE collided with the PERSEVERANCE, resulting in the loss of both the vessel and its cargo. The U.S. Circuit Court for Wisconsin held both vessels at fault and ordered a division of the damages. The PERSEVERANCE was built in 1855 by F.N. Jones in Buffalo and measured 294 tons, valued at $5,800.