In 1864, the vessel was owned by John P. Clark of Detroit, Michigan. The scow schooner Abner Howes had capsized on Lake Erie in 1866 but was rebuilt by Searles and Brothers of Detroit. In 1868 it was owned in Lincoln Michigan and then in 1871 had ownership in Racine Wisconsin.
The scow schooner Abner Howes was stranded, September 22, 1871, on the north side of the north pier at Ahnapee , Wisconsin (near Algoma) attempting to ride out a storm.

"From Mr. Vandoozer of Ahnapee, Wisconsin, we learn that in the heavy southeast blow of last Friday, the scow built schooner Howes, which was lying off Ahnapee dragged her anchor and went ashore on the rocks north of the north pier. She had on board $3,000 worth of supplies for Hitt and Davison of Clay Banks. The Howes was owned in Racine and was valued at about $1,500. She is a total loss." Kewaunee Enterprise 9/27/1871 p3, c2.

Last Document Of Enrollment Surrendered: Milwaukee: 3/31/1874: "vessel lost".