The first Friel to arrive in the county was Jeremiah Friel

 

The Friel family has a long and rich history in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The first Friel to arrive in the county was Jeremiah Friel, who came from Augusta County, Virginia in the late 1700s. Jeremiah was a native of Ireland, and he is believed to have been a descendant of Daniel O'Friel, who came to America in the 1740s.

Jeremiah Friel settled on Greenbrier River, where he raised a family of nine children. His son, Joseph, married Jane McCollam, and they lived on the home place. Joseph Friel served on the first Pocahontas grand jury. His children were Jeremiah, William, George Washington, Hannah, and Mary Ann.

Another son of Jeremiah Friel, Daniel, married Anna Casebolt, and they settled on a section of the homestead. Their children were Andrew Harvey, Barbara, Sabina Martha, and Montgomery Allen. Montgomery Allen Friel was a Confederate soldier attached to the 31st Virginia Infantry.

The Friel family has played an important role in the history of Pocahontas County. They have served in the military, government, and business. They have also been active in civic and religious organizations.

Pocahontas County was formed in 1821 from parts of Greenbrier, Bath, and Randolph counties. The county is named after Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy. Pocahontas was known for her kindness and courage, and she played an important role in the relationship between the English settlers and the Native Americans.

Pocahontas County is located in the eastern part of West Virginia. It is bordered by Greenbrier County to the south, Randolph County to the west, Pendleton County to the north, and Augusta County, Virginia to the east. The county is home to the Monongahela National Forest, which is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.

Pocahontas County is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Pocahontas County Museum, the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, and the Green Bank Observatory. The county is also known for its annual Pocahontas County Fair, which is held in September.

The Friel family has been a part of the Pocahontas County community for over 200 years. They have made significant contributions to the county's history and culture.