Robert Inkster
| Born | 12 October 1852, South Shields |
|---|---|
| Died | 9 May 1919, Scalloway |
| Elections | 4 (3 won) |
| Bayanne | Genealogy page |
Robert Inkster was a commercial clerk and a County Councillor, first for Burra between 1909 to 1913, then for Tingwall from 1913 until his death in 1919. He unsuccessfully contested the Tingwall seat at the inaugural Zetland County Council election in 1890.
Biography
Robert was born in South Shields where his parents had relocated around the 1850's. By the early 1860's, the family had returned to Shetland and had settled in Walls. His first job was as a shop assistant to Messrs Garriock & Co in Raewick where he remained until 1873, when he left Shetland. He was employed in an iron works in Cleveland, Ohio, and returned to Shetland in 1877. Though he intended on returning to America, an opening for a manager position with Garriock & Co's Scalloway operation arose, which he accepted. After that company dissolved, Robert was the factor for Mrs Garriock's estate, and held the same role in Burra for a Mr Gilmour.
He was deeply religious, and was for some years the secretary of the Scalloway Congressional Church, as well as the senior deacon. He was a firm believer in Liberalism.
Political Career
| Year | Election | Council | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | County Council Election February 1890 (Tingwall) | Zetland County Council | 78 | Not elected |
| 1909 | Burra County Council By-Election August 1909 (Burra) | Zetland County Council | Unanimously appointed | Elected |
| 1910 | County Council Election December 1910 (Burra) | Zetland County Council | Unopposed | Elected |
| 1913 | County Council Election December 1913 (Tingwall) | Zetland County Council | Unopposed | Elected |
