Sarah Pike Conger was an American writer. She was married to American diplomat Edwin H. Conger and accompanied him on his postings as envoy and minister to Brazil and China (1898–1905). Pike Conger developed an interest in Chinese culture and maintained a collection of ethnographic artifacts. The couple survived the 1900 Siege of the International Legations, during the Boxer Rebellion, and afterwards remained in the legation quarter. Pike Conger met frequently with Empress Dowager Cixi, whom she considered a friend, and was criticized for this in the press as Cixi had supported the Boxers. After returning to the United States and the death of her husband, Pike Conger wrote a recollection of her time in China and a children's book about Chinese culture.
Pike Conger with her husband and other family members, before the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City, Peking, in 1901. The US 9th Infantry Regiment lines the approach to honour German Field Marshal Alfred von Waldersee.
Edwin Hurd Conger was an American Civil War soldier, lawyer, banker, Iowa congressman, and United States diplomat. As the United States' minister to China during the Boxer Rebellion, Conger, his family, and other western diplomatic legations were under siege in Beijing until rescued by the China Relief Expedition.
Edwin H. Conger
Conger (on left) and staff in the American legation, Beijing, circa 1901
Conger and family in foreground, with 9th Infantry Regiment lined up before the Meridian Gate, Forbidden City, Beijing, circa 1901
