NEWS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  Contact:  John W. Conlon
- ---------------------                            Chief Financial Officer
April 22, 1999

                        							(740) 373-3155
	
                     PEOPLES BANCORP AUTHORIZES
                     REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK
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MARIETTA, Ohio - The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc.
(Nasdaq: PEBO) today adopted a resolution authorizing the repurchase of
up to 290,000 shares (or approximately 5% of the Company's outstanding
common shares) from time to time in open market or privately negotiated
transactions.  The timing of the purchases and the actual number of common
shares purchased will depend on market conditions.  This stock repurchase
program, effective immediately, will continue through December 31, 1999.

Robert E. Evans, Peoples Bancorp's President and Chief Executive Officer,
commented, "This action is reflective of Peoples Bancorp's long-standing
commitment to enhancing shareholder value and effectively managing our
capital levels.  Under current conditions, the purchase of our outstanding
shares is an attractive investment for the Company."

In addition, the Company intends to continue the previously announced
purchase of approximately 15,000 treasury shares per quarter for issuance
in connection with Peoples Bancorp's stock option plans.  The continuation
of this 15,000 share quarterly repurchase program may be amended or
eliminated in the future.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Marietta,
Ohio, with over $870 million in assets.  Peoples Bancorp operates 35
financial service locations in the states of Ohio, West Virginia, and
Kentucky.  Peoples Bancorp's banking subsidiaries include The Peoples
Banking and Trust Company with offices in Ohio and West Virginia; The First
National Bank of Southeastern Ohio with three Ohio offices; and Peoples Bank
FSB, with four Kentucky offices.  Through its subsidiaries, Peoples Bancorp
offers complete banking services and makes available other financial
services, such as trust services, and investment and insurance products.
Learn more about Peoples Bancorp at www.peoplesbancorp.com.
		
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