The scow schooner Abner Howes was built by G. Erwin in 1858, and was enrolled in Detroit, Michigan in 1859 under ownership of John P. Clark. During its service, it was used as a merchant vessel throughout the Great Lakes. While carrying lumber in June 1866, the Abner Howes sprang a leak and rolled over, capsizing in Lake Erie. The total loss was valued to $1,000, including the ship and its cargo. The scow was salvaged and rebuilt by Searles and Brothers of Detroit in that year. It was later owned in Lincoln, Michigan, and Racine, Wisconsin.
The Abner Howes was stranded, September 22, 1871, on the north side of the north pier at Ahnapee, Wisconsin while attempting to ride out a storm. An excerpt from the September 27, 1871 issue of the Kewaunee Enterprise states, "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." There were no casualties, however the vessel was a total loss. According to the same article, the Howes was laden with $3,000 worth of supplies bound for Hitt and Davidson of Clay Banks, Wisconsin. The scow was owned in Racine and was valued at about $1,500 at the time of the wreck. The final document of enrollment was surrendered in Milwaukee on March 21, 1874.
The wreckage of the vessel is located north of the North Pier in Ahnapee, Wisconsin. The actual location and condition of the wreck have not yet been confirmed by field investigation.