Stephen G. Skidmore

Stephen Griggs Skidmore was an American businessman and politician. He served on the Portland City Council from 1875 to 1878.

His will left funds for the creation of the Skidmore Fountain, which was named in his memory.

Early life Stephen Griggs Skidmore (middle name Gregg, according to some records) was born on December 28, 1838, in Peoria County, Illinois, to Andrew Reed Skidmore and Sarah Ann Slater. He was the second of six children. In 1850, his family moved from Illinois to Portland, Oregon.

Career Soon after arriving in Portland, at the age of 12, he began working as a paperboy for The Oregonian, which was recently established at the time. He soon after began working for the druggists Smith & Davis. In 1867, he founded his own pharmacy. Charles Sitton was his business partner. and was a long-time volunteer firefighter. In 1878, at the request of Governor Stephen F. Chadwick, Skidmore represented Oregon at the Paris World's Fair.

Skidmore Fountain station is a MAX Light Rail station located next to and named for the fountain.