Blakely, Samuel W.

Samuel W. Blakely established a druggist business on Pacific Avenue, with partner {McDermott, William P.|William P, McDermott]], in the 1860s. In 1870, he was elected county treasurer and, in 1872, was accused of embezzlement after reporting himself bound and gagged during a robbery at the treasurer's office. Two trials failed to reach a verdict, and he was freed. After the first indictment, Blakely resigned the office and was replaced by his immediate predecessor, A. R. Meserve.

In a subsequent civil suit, the county attempted to force reimbursement of the missing funds by Blakely's bondsmen. No report on the conclusion to that trial has been found. In 1878, the Sentinel reported that Blakely had been appointed postmaster of a small town in Arizona.

In 1879, George Otto was accused of the same crime while serving as county treasurer. A Sentinel article title "Another One" referred back to Blakely.