Sanchez was born on November 27, 1867, in San Juan, to Manuel Sánchez Apellaniz (1847-1884) and his mother Ana Morales Seijo (1853-1915).

In addition to running the family business, he delved into literature, writing for newspapers and magazines during the latter part of the 19th century, before becoming involved in politics.

President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as member of the United States territory's "Executive Committee", appointive precursor of the elective Senate of Puerto Rico, in 1904, which he then chaired from 1912 to 1917, when the committee was abolished by the Jones Act and replaced by the Senate.

During his early years in public service, he continued devoted to his business interests, served as a director of a commercial bank, a trustee of the University of Puerto Rico and president of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA.

Was buried at the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in San Juan, Puerto Rico.