EXHIBIT 5.1


                                December 5, 2001

Wesbanco, Inc.
One Bank Plaza
Wheeling, WV 26003

                  RE:      Proposed Acquisition of American Bancorporation

Gentlemen:

         In connection  with the  Registration  of the Common Stock of Wesbanco,
Inc.  (hereinafter  "Wesbanco")  under the  provisions of the  Securities Act of
1933, you have requested our opinion regarding the legality of the securities of
Wesbanco  to be issued as a result  of the  Agreement  and Plan of Merger by and
between  Wesbanco,  American  Bancorporation,  AB Corporation and Wesbanco Bank,
Inc. dated February 22, 2001 (hereinafter "Agreement").

         In  conjunction  with this opinion,  we have  examined  such  corporate
records of Wesbanco,  the Agreement,  and such other agreements and instruments,
certificates of public officials,  certificates of officers and  representatives
of Wesbanco,  and other  documents,  as we have deemed necessary for purposes of
issuing the opinion hereinafter expressed.  All legal proceedings taken thus far
in connection with this issuance of these shares have been in form and substance
satisfactory to us.

         It is our opinion that Wesbanco is duly organized and validly  existing
under the laws of the State of West Virginia as a bank holding company and that,
when the  exchange  of stock  is  completed  as  contemplated  in the  foregoing
Agreement,  and the effectiveness of the Registration Statement to be filed with
regard  thereto  is  confirmed  by the  Securities  & Exchange  Commission,  the
securities being registered will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable
under the laws of the State of West Virginia and of the United States.






         We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the
above-mentioned Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm and its
opinions included in the Registration Statement.

                                            Yours very truly,

                                            PHILLIPS, GARDILL, KAISER & ALTMEYER


                                            By


                                            /s/ James G. Gardill
JCG/mmr