EXHIBIT 23(a)        

      	      PEOPLES BANCORP INC. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
             		 FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996


            		     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) of Peoples Bancorp Inc. of our report dated
January 31, 1997, included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Shareholders of Peoples Bancorp Inc.

  We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the
Registration Statements pertaining to the Amended and Restated
1993 Stock Option Plan (Form S-8, No. 33-67878) and the 1995
Stock Option Plan (Form S-8, No. 33-59569) of Peoples Bancorp
Inc. of our report dated January 31, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and
Subsidiaries incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.


                        				  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG L.L.P.
                         			  Ernst & Young L.L.P.


Charleston, West Virginia
March 27, 1997