The Schooner R.J.Sanborn was built as a two masted schooner in 1859 or 1860 by Donald O'Conner at Buffalo, New York. Her official registry number was 21298. In 1865 she was converted to a three masted barkentine. At the time of her loss she was insured for $3,000. She was rated B2 and valued at $5,000.

Last Document of Enrollment: Surrendered: Gran Haven: 9/30/1874: "Vessel Wrecked".
On the night of 11/01/1873, the schooner R.J. Sanborn, lumber laden, struck the south pier while trying to enter Manitowoc harbor. She was then driven ashore on the south side of the harbor, and rapidly went to pieces, becoming a total wreck. She supposedly had on board salvaged equipment from the scow Flea which had gone to pieces in December of 1872.