Portrait of Emily and her husband Charles Tilstone Beke photographed by Ernest Edwards (Lovell Reece, 1867, 'Dr. and Mrs. Beke', in Portraits of Men of Eminence, Vol. 6, London: L. Reeve & Co.: 21. Original in the Natural History Museum, London: 051942). |
"It is curious
how these animals are caught by the Beduins in the desert country lying to the
east of Harran. Two walls of considerable length are erected, commencing at
some distance from each other, and converging to a point. Before the two ends quite
meet, a mound of earth is thrown up between them, and the two walls, being
continued beyond this mound, are united by a cross-wall of about half their
height; behind this lower wall is a large pit, the earth dug out of which had
served to form the mound. Horsemen now contrive to drive a herd of gazelles
between the two walls, where they are furthest apart. The timid animals rush
forward towards the extremity of the enclosure, at first not seeing the low
cross-wall, which is hidden by the mound of earth; and when, at length, they
find themselves closed in on both sides, they naturally try to escape by
ascending the mound and leaping over the low wall, when they fall into the pit
beyond it, and are taken, often as many as twenty or thirty at a time."
In exploring Harran in pursuit of a theory about an Old Testament place name, the Bekes discovered an inscribed stone (p. 199 ff.) which was later identified as a Roman milestone (p. 124ff.). Another was later found in a neighbouring village the name of which Emily gives as Ghassule (p. 125). Very unexpected.
Emily was 37 years younger than her husband but a fitting companion and his equal in many respects. Her published diary, and notes in the archival material of her husband show that she is highly intelligent, independent and active woman- accompanying her husband on at least one journey, helping him in his academic pursuits and publications as well as running their household as smoothly as she could with the expenses from research tours and publishing. After her husband's death she remained a staunch advocate for his lifetimes work, continuing to publish his research at considerable cost to her financial position.
Emily Alston Beke is my first cousin, four times removed. In my genealogical research, I occasionally find fascinating family members. Thank you for the information to add to this capable woman's achievements.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paula, Emily is indeed fascinating. If you come to know where any of her manuscripts or photographs are held please let us know.
DeleteA great find!
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