Who is known as the "Father of West Virginia" due to his contributions to the statehood movement?

Francis H. Pierpont is recognized as the "Father of West Virginia" because of his pivotal role in the state's formation and the push for its statehood during the Civil War. As a staunch Unionist, Pierpont was instrumental in organizing the movement for West Virginia’s separation from Virginia. He served as the governor of the Restored Government of Virginia during the Civil War, advocating for the rights and interests of the northwestern counties that later became West Virginia. His leadership and commitment to the Union cause were crucial in rallying support for the creation of a new state in 1863, making him a key figure in West Virginia's history.

In contrast, while John Brown was notable for his abolitionist actions, particularly his raid on Harpers Ferry, he was not directly involved in the statehood movement. Robert C. Byrd served as a long-time U.S. Senator and was influential in later years, but he was not part of the founding of the state. Daniel Boone, well-known as a frontiersman and explorer, contributed to the westward expansion but was not associated with the movement for West Virginia’s statehood.