EXHIBIT 99.2
                                                             ------------

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   CONTACT:  FIRST MID-ILLINOIS BANK
             William S. Rowland
             Chairman & CEO
             217-258-0415

   First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. announced its results for the
   nine-month period ending September 30, 2001.  Earnings amounted to
   $4,772,000, a 13 percent improvement from the $4,209,000 the Company
   reported during the same period in 2000.

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, William S. Rowland said, "We are
   pleased with our financial performance as well as with the overall
   growth of our banking franchise."  At September 30, 2001, loan totals
   amounted to $467 million compared to $429 million at the beginning of
   the year.  Deposits also increased and totaled $556 million at
   September 30, 2001.

   Rowland also announced the authorization by the Board of Directors of
   a three-for-two stock split.  A 50 percent stock dividend will be paid
   to shareholders of record as of October 26, 2001, payable on November
   16, 2001.  This stock dividend will increase the number of shares
   outstanding by approximately 1.1 million shares.  Shareholders of
   record on October 26 can expect to receive specific information
   concerning their stock dividend shortly after November 16, 2001.  The
   Board also authorized the repurchase, in the open market or in
   privately negotiated transactions, up to an aggregate of $3 million of
   additional shares of common stock.

   "The tragic events of September 11 have changed our lives and the way
   we view our surroundings.  While the total impact on our national and
   local economy may not be known for many months or years, we do
   anticipate some slowing of economic activity as well as additional
   banking regulations as Congress determines how the banking system can
   best function as a resource in America's war on terrorism.  Whatever
   the future holds, First Mid-Illinois Bancshares will be prepared and
   will continue to be a trusted provider of financial services," Rowland
   said.

   First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. is headquartered in Mattoon and is
   the parent company for First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, N.A., First
   Mid-Illinois Insurance Services, Inc., and Mid-Illinois Data Services,
   Inc.  The company operates 22 banking centers in 15 communities,
   including: Mattoon, Charleston, Decatur, Effingham, Highland, Neoga,
   Pocahontas, Sullivan, Altamont, Arcola, Tuscola, Taylorville,
   Monticello, De Land and Urbana.  More information about First Mid-
   Illinois Bancshares is available at www.firstmid.com, or call 217-234-
   7454.
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