1900 - Elizabeth Inglis

July 22, 1900

Elizabeth Inglis

Beijing

Mr. & Mrs. John Inglis, whose young daughter Elizabeth died during the Boxer siege of 1900.

The Inglis family was among the 2,000 Christians who sought refuge inside the British Legation in Beijing. The family consisted of John and his wife, who were Protestant missionaries, and their little daughter Elizabeth. John Inglis later painted a picture of what life was like inside the Legation:

“A scene of great confusion presented itself. Boxes, bundles, mattresses, baby carriages, trunks, carts, canned stores, stacked and dropped about in any available place. The comfortable houses and pleasant lanes of the Legation crowded with anxious people; some standing helplessly about, others dragging and pulling at their belongings; babies crying or staring wonderingly at such an unusual sight; children hopping and skipping under the trees; dogs barking furiously; ponies neighing; Jesuit priests, native converts, missionaries and diplomats talking and working…. Hurry, hurry everywhere, and every heart filled with two emotions, relief, because of the number gathered together for better protection and defense, and fear of immediate and impending danger.”[I]

On July 14th Elizabeth, who had been ill for a few days, suddenly grew much worse. Lady MacDonald, wife of one of the British diplomats, moved the family into one of the best rooms available in the hope the improved surroundings would improve the little girl’s health. It may have slowed down Elizabeth’s demise, but on July 22nd the precious life was extinguished. Her godly mother was grief-stricken from the loss, but bravely proclaimed, “When God so kindly took her into his bosom, I knew not whether to grieve or to give thanks, the future seemed so dark and uncertain, and I knew that dangerous days and nights lay between us and any rescue.”[II]

Amazingly, Elizabeth’s death was one of very few during the eight weeks of torment inside the British Legation. Finally, Western soldiers marched into Beijing and liberated the city from the scourge of the Boxers. John Inglis and wife survived the ordeal, and after a time of grieving and rest, continued their missionary work in China.