MARTIN BEASER, one of the pre-emptors of the site of Ashland, was born in Erie county, New York, Oct. 22, 1822. For many years he was a seafaring man. He spent seven years in whaling, at the close of which time he came to Ontonagon in a sailing vessel, and thence with three companions in a dog sledge to Ashland, arriving February, 1856. Here he pre-empted land, and assisted in laying out the village. He engaged in the mercantile business. He was drowned in November, 1866, while trying to cross Chequamegon bay in an open boat during a storm. Mr. Beaser was a public spirited man and freely used his wealth in attempting to build up Ashland. He never lost faith in the ultimate prosperity of his adopted home. HON. SAM S. FIFIELD was born in Corinna, Penobscot county, Maine, June 24, 1839. His early days were spent in Bangor, and he had but limited school privileges. He was early thrown upon his own resources and learned lessons in the rough school of life. He spent his time variously, as errand boy, hotel clerk, night watch on a steamboat, toll keeper; but finally, having served a brief apprenticeship in a printing office, he became the proprietor of the _Polk County Press_ in 1862. In 1872 he and his brother Hank O. established the Ashland _Press_, of which he is now sole editor and publisher. Mr. Fifield entered the political arena as a Republican and has been remarkably successful. His record from the Wisconsin blue book is as follows: 1868-69--Assembly proof-reader and assistant sergeant-at-arms. 1871-72--Assembly sergeant-at-arms. 1874-75-76--Member of assembly from Ashland, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, and Polk counties. 1876--Speaker of the assembly. 1877--Member of the senate. 1880-81--Member of the senate. 1882-86--Lieutenant governor. Mr. Fifield was married to Stella Grimes, at Prescott, 1863. Considering the disadvantageous circumstances of his youth, Mr. Fifield's career has been a notable one. BAYFIELD COUNTY.