Front                                                            Exhibit 99(a)
JEFFERSON BANKSHARES, INC.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN                  Shareholder Authorization Card


I hereby appoint The Bank of New York ("Agent") or its successor as 
appointed by Jefferson Bankshares, Inc. ("Jefferson") as my agent, 
subject to the terms and conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
("Plan") as set forth in the accompanying Prospectus, receipt of which 
is hereby acknowledged.  I authorize the Agent to apply my dividends 
as selected below and such cash contributions as it may receive 
from me toward the purchase of whole and fractional shares of Common 
Stock of Jefferson.  I understand that I may make optional cash 
contributions of not less than $25 per payment nor more than a 
cumulative $5,000 per quarter.


Please enroll me in the Plan as indicated below (check one box only):

( ) Full Dividend Reinvestment - I wish to apply dividends on all shares of 
    Jefferson Common Stock registered in my name to purchase 
    additional shares and also have the option of making cash 
    contributions from $25 to $5,000 per quarter.

( ) Partial Dividend Reinvestment - I wish to reinvest the dividends on
    only ____ shares of Jefferson Common Stock registered in my name 
    and also have the option of making cash contributions from $25 to 
    $5,000 per quarter.

    Optional cash contribution enclosed (if any) $___________

Back

I authorize Jefferson to pay the Agent for my account all 
cash dividends on the shares indicated hereon and/or receive optional 
cash contributions for the purchase of additional shares of Common 
Stock of Jefferson.  This appointment and authorization is given 
with the understanding that, subject to the procedures established 
under the Plan, I may terminate my participation in the Plan by so 
notifying the Agent in writing.

_______________________________
Please Print Name(s) as show on
  Stock Certificate

_______________________________
Address

_______________________________
City      State            Zip

_______________________________
Signature

_______________________________
Signature

_______________________________
Social Security or
  Tax Identification Number

_______________________________
Date

(THIS IS NOT A PROXY)