John C. Ainsworth

John Commingers Ainsworth (June 6, 1822 – December 30, 1893) was an American pioneer businessman and steamboat owner in Oregon. A native of Ohio, he moved west to mine gold in California before immigrating to Oregon where he piloted steamships and became a founder of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company and several banks.

Early life Ainsworth was born in Springboro, Ohio, on June 6, 1822. His parents died while he was 13 years old, so he went to work for his uncle in Farmington, Iowa. In late 1860, Ainsworth and several investors started the Oregon Steam Navigation Company (OSNC).

By 1869, the OSNC monopolized the Columbia River transportation market. In April 1879, Henry Villard purchased the OSNC for its full value of $5 million. Ainsworth retired to Oakland, California, after the sale.

Later years and family Ainsworth served on the Portland Public Schools board from 1873 to 1879.

After selling out, he entered the banking business in 1883 with the Ainsworth National Bank in Portland. as well as Ainsworth Elementary School in SW Portland. His son, John Churchill Ainsworth, (1870–1943) was a prominent Oregon businessman, Portland banker and served as chairman of the State Highway Commission from 1931 to 1932. John Churchill also donated the land in 1933 that became Ainsworth State Park.