From "The History of North Washington" Published 1904

Scanned by Susan Dechant (sdechant@triax.com)
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JOHN INKSTER
     Among the first white men to come to the Pacific coast, we mention the 
subject of this article, who has been a real pioneer and whose worthy labors 
have accomplished very much toward opening the way for others to follow for 
settlement. John Inkster was born in the seagirt Orkneys, on February 1, 1827, 
the son of George and Jane (Marwick) Inkster, also natives of the same islands. 
They were tillers of the soil there and remained on the old homestead until 
their death. Five children were born to that worthy couple, but our subject 
is the sole survivor. He was educated in his native place and when he had 
attained his majority came to America and the same year, 1848, crossed the 
Rocky Mountains and entered the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company. For 
seven years he wrought in this capacity, then resigned his position and came 
to the Pend d'Oreille mining regions. For two years he wrought there, then 
farmed for thirteen years, after which, in 1869, he located his present 
place, two miles north from Valley. For thirty-five years Mr. Inkster has 
tilled the soil and reaped the crops from this estate and is known as one 
of the substantial and good citizens of the valley. In addition to farming 
he raises about thirty head of stock.
     In 1877 Mr. Inkster married in this valley and to this union five 
children have been born, four of whom are named as follows John, with his 
father; Margaret Jacobs; Janes Abrahamsen, and William, at home with his 
parents.