Polly Bemis: Idaho County’s Most Romantic Character

Polly Bemis was a Chinese American pioneer in the rugged river country of North Central Idaho. Sold by her impoverished family in China and then later sold as a slave for $2,500 in San Francisco, Polly eventually found herself in the mining town of Warren, Idaho. An unlikely friendship emerged with saloon owner and fiddler Charles Bemis and the two created a long life together on the Salmon River. Her hospitality, determination and creative spirit make her one of the most celebrated figures of the region.