Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
JOHN J. INKSTER, sheriff of Lincoln
county, residing at Davenport, was born in Scotland, August 14, 1859, the
son of St. Clair and Margaret (Anderson) Inkster, natives of Scotland.
With his parents John J. Inkster came to the United States when he was
four years of age, his father following the avocations of a farmer, carpenter
and ship carpenter, and with whom our subject worked. Until the age
of twenty-two he remained in Illinois, and attended district school, a
commercial college, and Grand Prairie Seminary at Onarga, Illinois.
From the latter educational institution he was graduated in June, 1882,
and then came west with his parents, locating in Spokane county, in what
is known as the "Egypt" country, now in Lincoln county, twelve miles
north of Davenport, where the father and our subject secured land.
Young Inkster worked industriously there until January, 1892, when he was
in the treasurer's office of Lincoln county in the capacity of deputy where
he remained two years. In the campaign of 1894 he was a candidate
for treasurer on the Republican ticket, and was defeated by only twelve
votes. He then removed across the international boundary line and
was associated with the Columbia & Kootenai Steam Navigation Company,
having charge of the office at Trail. Subsequently he engaged in
the customs brokerage business, disposing of the same in September, 1898,
and going to Davenport, Lincoln county, where he engaged in the grain business,
the firm being Inkster Brothers & Company. In January, 1899,
we find him in the sheriff's office as deputy, and in 1902 he was elected
sheriff on the Republican ticket, securing a large majority, and running
far ahead of his ticket.
Our subject has two
brothers, William P., and George H., residing at Davenport. He is
a member of Lincoln Lodge, No. 50, K. of P., of which he is past C. C.
and district deputy, and of Davenport Lodge, No. 55, of which he is past
master workman and of Acacia Lodge, A. F. & A. M. February 14,
1889, in the "Egypt" country, Mr. Inkster was married to Margaret J. Moore,
a native of Ontario, Canada. Her father, Thomas R. Moore, was a native
of England, and came to Canada with his parents when a young lad.
He died in Lincoln county in 1895. Her mother, Mary E. (McDonald)
Moore, was born in Scotland and at present resides at Davenport.
Mrs. Inkster has four brothers and one sister living, William G., Charles,
John T., Hubert A., and Mary E., wife of Thomas Goodlad. Mr. and
Mrs. Inkster have one daughter, Mabel A., residing at home. Her mother
is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Inkster is a popular
gentleman, widely known throughout eastern Washington, and highly esteemed
by all. In addition to the original homestead which he took, his
real estate holdings have increased to a total of three hundred and seventy-five
acres. His homestead was taken in 1882.