Although the permanent settlement of the town of Woliborough, Wolfeboro as it is now spelled, began in 1768, the first attempt was made by Benjamin Blake and Reuben Libbey, 1767, but the breaking of Libbey's leg by a falling tree cost Wolfeboro a year of its history. Blake set the bone as well as he was able, constructed a shelter for Libbey, placed food and water near him and hurried to Gilmanton for aid. Returning in two days he found Libbey in torture from thirst and the annoyance of insects. Libbey pulled through however, living to become one of the most promi nent citizens of early Wolfeboro. Benjamin Blake was the first settler. In 1768, nine persons commenced settlements in the southwest part of Wolfeboro. They were Henry Rust, one of the proprietors, Benjamin Blake, Reuben Libbey, James Lucas, Samuel Tibbetts, Joseph Lary, Thomas Piper, Thomas Taylor and William Fullerton. None of this nine brought his family with him at that time.