West Virginians resented the rogue state government forcing them into rebellion against their wishes or will. Lincoln wasn’t a party to their secession from Virginia - that was played out by the states and the Congress.
I have no doubt that he was pleased that there were Virginians who wished to remain loyal to the United States!
I went back to my search. It’s been awhile. Lincoln encouraged through Governor Pierpont but you’re correct. I didn’t remember that the interest in succeeding from Virginia starts before the war.
Best wishes
Born Logan West Virginia 1946, not 1846