FORM 10-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

(Mark One)

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

                                    OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period form ___________________ to _____________________

Commission file number 0-6216

BRENTON BANKS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     Incorporated in Iowa                                No. 42-0658989
State of other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization                            Identification No.)

Suite 200, Capital Square, 400 Locust, Des Moines, Iowa            50309
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code  515-237-5100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  

Title of each class               Name of each exchange on which registered

     None                                          None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $5 par value
(Title of class)
     1

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  X  .  No     .

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to 
the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information 
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any 
amendment to this Form 10-K [ X ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the 
registrant as of March 10, 1997, was $130,708,000

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of 
common stock, as of the most recent practicable date, March 10, 1997.

                          8,036,541 shares Common Stock, $5 par value

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The Appendix to the Proxy Statement for the 1995 calendar year is 
incorporated by reference into Part I, Part II Part IV hereof to the extent 
indicated in such Parts.

The definitive proxy statement of Brenton Banks, Inc., which will be filed 
not later than 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year ending 
December 31, 1996, is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof to the 
extent indicated in such Part.

                                 1 of 290 Total Pages
     2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
                                                                        Page

Item 1.  Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

         (A)  General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

         (B)  Recent Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

         (C)  Affiliated Banks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

         (D)  Bank-Related Subsidiaries and Affiliates  . . . . . . . . .  7

         (E)  Executive Officers and Policymakers of the 
              Registrant  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

         (F)  Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9

         (G)  Supervision and Regulation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9

         (H)  Governmental Monetary Policy and Economic 
              Conditions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

         (I)  Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

         (J)  Statistical Disclosure  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Item 2.  Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
         Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26


PART II

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and 
         Related Stockholder Matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  . . . . . . . . . . 27

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
         on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
     3

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . 27

Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
         and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . 27



PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
         Reports on Form 8-K  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27




Exhibit Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
     4

PART I

Item 1.   Business.

          (A)  General Description.

Brenton Banks, Inc. (the "Parent Company") is a bank holding company 
registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and a savings and 
loan holding company under the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act.  
Brenton Banks, Inc. was organized as an Iowa corporation under the name 
Brenton Companies in 1948.  Subsequently, the Parent Company changed its 
corporate name to its current name, Brenton Banks, Inc.  On December 31, 
1996, the Parent Company had direct control of its commercial and savings 
bank (hereinafter the "affiliated banks"), both located in Iowa.  The 
commercial bank is a state bank incorporated under the laws of the State of 
Iowa and the savings bank is a federal savings bank organized under the 
laws of the United States. Both of the affiliated banks are members of the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Brenton Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") engage in retail, 
commercial and agricultural banking and related financial services from 45 
locations throughout Iowa.  In connection with this banking industry 
segment, the Company provides the usual products and services of banking 
such as deposits, commercial loans, agribusiness loans, personal loans and 
trust services.

The principal services provided by the Company are accepting deposits and 
making loans.  The significant loan categories are commercial, commercial 
real estate, agribusiness and personal.  Commercial loans are made to 
business enterprises principally to finance inventory, operations or other 
assets at terms generally up to 5 years.  The principal risk involves the 
customers' management skills and general economic conditions.  Commercial 
real estate mortgage loans are routinely made for terms up to 20 years for 
real property used in a borrower's business.  Repayment primarily depends 
upon the financial performance and the cashflow of the business enterprise. 
Declines in commercial real estate values could ultimately affect the 
collectability of these types of loans.  Agri-business loans are made to 
farmers for financing crop inputs, equipment, livestock and real property 
used in farming activities.  Agri-business loans are also made to 
businesses related to or that support the production and sale of 
agricultural products.  Weather conditions and government policies have 
major influences on agricultural financial performance and ultimately the 
borrower's ability to repay loans.  Personal loans are made to individuals 
primarily on a secured basis to finance such items as residential 
mortgages, home improvements, personal property, education and vehicles.  
Unsecured personal loans are made on a limited basis.  The individual's 
credit worthiness and economic conditions affecting the job market are the 
primary risks associated with personal loans.  Personal loans generally do 
not exceed 5 years.  For all loan types, the primary criteria used in 
determining whether to make a loan is the borrower's ability to repay, 
which is based upon a cash flow analysis and willingness to pay supported 
by a historical review of credit management. 

The principal markets for these loans are businesses and individuals.  Iowa 
has two primary regional market segments.  One market consists of selected 
metropolitan areas across the state which consist of service and 
manufacturing industries.  The other market involves rural areas which are 
predominately agricultural in nature.  These loans are made by the 
affiliated banks and subsidiaries, and some are sold on the secondary 
market.  The Company also engages in activities that are closely related to 
banking, including mortgage banking, investment, insurance and real estate 
brokerage.

          (B)  Recent Developments.

	Common Stock Dividend.  On October 7, 1996, the Board of Directors declared 
a ten percent common stock dividend to stockholders of record on October 
17, 1996.  Fractional shares resulting from this stock dividend were paid 
in cash.
     5

	Stock Option Plan.  On September 5, 1996, a special meeting of stockholders 
was held to approve the Brenton Banks, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan (the 
"Plan").  The Plan, which was approved, authorizes the granting of options 
on up to 550,000 shares (all share and per-share data has been adjusted for 
the ten percent common stock dividend) of the Company's common stock to key 
employees of the Company.  The price at which options may be exercised 
cannot be less than the fair market value of the shares at the date the 
options are granted.  The options are subject to certain vesting 
requirements and maximum exercise periods, as established by the 
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  There were 470,800 
options granted under the Plan during 1996 to 42 employees of the Company 
with option prices ranging from $22.159 to $23.625 per share.

	Common Stock Repurchase Plan.  As part of the Company's ongoing stock 
repurchase plan, in 1996 the Board of Directors authorized additional stock 
repurchases of $10,000,000 of the Company's common stock.  For the years 
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company repurchased 347,700, 
258,133 and 44,800 shares, respectively, at total costs of $8,248,331, 
$4,830,111 and $850,950.

	Regulatory Developments. The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 ("Funds 
Act") was enacted during 1996.  The Funds Act required the FDIC to impose a 
one-time special assessment on Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) 
assessable deposits held by institutions as of March 31, 1995, and equaled 
approximately 65.7 basis points per $100 of SAIF-insured deposits.  The 
Company's assessment totaled $1,288,000.  Deposits of Brenton Savings Bank, 
FSB, as well as savings and loan deposits acquired from the RTC in 1990 and 
1991, were included in this assessment.  As a result of the special 
assessment, the SAIF was capitalized at the target Designated Reserve Ratio 
(DRR) of 1.25 percent of estimated insured deposits on October 1, 1996.  
Assessment rates were subsequently lowered to a level to maintain the DRR. 
 The Funds Act also separated the Financing Corporation (FICO) assessment 
to service the interest on its bond obligations from the SAIF assessment.  
The amount assessed on individual institutions by FICO will be in addition 
to the amount paid for deposit insurance. FICO assessment rates for the 
first semiannual period of 1997 were set at 1.30 basis points annually for 
Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) assessable deposits and 6.48 basis points 
annually for SAIF assessable deposits.  These rates are adjustable to 
reflect changes in assessments bases for BIF and SAIF.

	Restructuring of Organization.  Brenton Banks, Inc. completed its 
restructuring plan during 1995.  The plan, authorized in December, 1994, 
included consolidating the Company's 13 commercial banks into one bank, 
reducing the Company's overall personnel levels and closing selected 
banking branches.  During the third quarter of 1995, the Company completed 
the merger of its 13 commercial banks into a single, state chartered 
banking organization under the laws of the State of Iowa.

	As part of this merger process, Brenton Bank Services Corporation was 
liquidated and became part of the one bank, Brenton Bank.  Brenton 
Mortgages, Inc., formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of the holding company, 
is now a subsidiary of Brenton Savings Bank, FSB.  The move of this 
subsidiary was made to accommodate the funding of residential real estate 
loans with borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

	Growth and Acquisitions.  As part of management's strategic growth plans, 
Brenton Banks, Inc. investigates growth and expansion opportunities which 
strengthen the Company's presence in current or selected new market areas. 
 The Company continues expansion of its traditional and non-traditional 
services.  

	On October 1, 1992, Brenton Banks, Inc. merged with Ames Financial 
Corporation and acquired its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ames Savings Bank, 
FSB of Ames, Iowa whose name has since been changed to Brenton Savings 
Bank, FSB.   The institution continues to operate as a federal savings 
bank, requiring Brenton Banks, Inc. to also register as a savings and loan 
holding company.  As a savings and loan holding company, Brenton Banks, 
Inc. is required to file certain reports with and be regulated by the 
Office of Thrift Supervision.  See Item 1, Section (G), Supervision and 
Regulation.  
     6

          (C)  Affiliated Banks.

	The 2 affiliated banks had 44 banking locations at December 31, 1996, 
located in 13 of Iowa's 99 counties.  These banks serve both agricultural 
and metropolitan areas.  The location and certain other information about 
the affiliated banks are given below.

	The main office of Brenton Bank is located in Des Moines, Iowa.  Des Moines 
is the largest city in Iowa.  In addition to its main banking location, 
Brenton Bank has 40 offices located throughout Iowa and provides services 
to customers in numerous counties across the state.

	Brenton Savings Bank, FSB is located in Ames, Iowa, and has offices in Ames 
and Story City.  The savings bank serves customers in Story County.

          (D)  Bank-Related Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

	Brenton Investments, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Brenton Bank, was 
formed in 1992 and provides a full array of retail investment brokerage 
services to customers.  The company is not involved with the direct 
issuance, flotation or underwriting of securities.  At December 31, 1996, 
this subsidiary had 37 licensed brokers serving all Brenton banks.  

	Brenton Mortgages, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brenton Savings Bank, 
FSB, engages in the mortgage banking business.  This subsidiary originates 
and services mortgage loans sold to institutional investors and the 
mortgage loan portfolios of the affiliated banks.

	Brenton Insurance, Inc. and Brenton Realty Services, Ltd. are wholly-owned 
subsidiaries of Brenton Bank.  These subsidiaries operate real estate 
brokerage agencies and insurance brokerage agencies handling individual and 
group life, annuity, health, fire, crop, homeowner's, automobile and 
liability insurance.

	Brenton Insurance Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent 
Company, provides insurance risk management services for the Company.

          (E)  Executive Officers and Policymakers of the Registrant.

The term of office for the executive officers and policymakers of the 
Company is from the date of election until the next Annual Organizational 
Meeting of the Board of Directors.  The names and ages of the executive 
officers and policymakers of the Company as of March 10, 1997, the offices 
held by these executive officers and policymakers on that date, the period 
during which the officers have served as such and the other positions held 
with the Company by these officers during the past five years are set forth 
below and on the following page:




                                       Company          Position
Name and Address         Age    Position or Subsidiary  Commenced                   Other Positions
________________         ___    ______________________  _________                   _______________

                                                          
C. Robert Brenton         66  Chairman of the Board        1990       
Des Moines, Iowa

Robert L. DeMeulenaere    57  President                    1994       President/Treasurer, Brenton Mortgages, Inc.
Des Moines, Iowa                                                      - August 1989 to July, 1994; CEO, Brenton Bank
                                                                      and Trust Company of Cedar Rapids - August
                                                                      1990 to January 1994; Senior Vice President
                                                                      of the Parent Company - August 1990 to
                                                                      January 1994

     7




                                       Company          Position
Name and Address         Age    Position or Subsidiary  Commenced                   Other Positions
________________         ___    ______________________  _________                   _______________

                                                          
Larry A. Mindrup          55  Chief Banking Officer -      1995       CEO, Brenton Savings Bank, FSB; Ames - April
Des Moines, Iowa              President, Des Moines                   1994 to March 1996; President, Brenton Bank,
                                                                      N.A., Des Moines - May 1995 to September 
                                                                      1995; President, Brenton Savings Bank, FSB,
                                                                      Ames - April 1994 to April 1995; President, 
                                                                      Trust Officer and Director, Brenton National
                                                                      Bank - Poweshiek County - January 1991 to 
                                                                      March 1994

Phillip L. Risley         54  Chief Administrative         1995       Executive Vice President of the Parent
Des Moines, Iowa               Officer/                               Company - January 1992 to December 1995;
                              Cashier                      1995       President and CEO, Brenton Bank, N.A.,
                                                                      Des Moines - February 1990 to May 1995;
                                                                      Vice President - Operations of the Parent
                                                                      Company - May 1984 to January 1992;
                                                                      Chairman of the Board, Brenton Bank
                                                                      Services Corporation - May 1992 to 
                                                                      September 1995; Executive Vice President/
                                                                      Treasurer, Brenton Information Systems, 
                                                                      Inc. - April 1990 to May 1992

Perry C. Atwood           42  Chief Sales Officer          1996
Des Moines, Iowa

Woodward G. Brenton       46  Chief Commercial             1995       President and CEO, Brenton First National
Des Moines, Iowa               Banking Officer                        Bank - January 1992 to October 1995; Executive
                                                                      Vice President, Brenton First National Bank,
                                                                      Davenport - January 1991 to January 1992

Charles N. Funk           42  Chief Investment/            1995       Vice President - Investments, Brenton Banks,
Des Moines, Iowa              ALCO Officer                            Inc. - December 1991 to October 1995

Ronald D. Larson          48  Regional President           1995       President, Brenton Bank and Trust Company,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa             Eastern Iowa Division                  Marshalltown - January 1991 to July 1993
                              President, Cedar Rapids      1993

Marc J. Meyer             43  Regional President           1996       Regional President, Agricultural Division,
Perry, Iowa                    Western Iowa Division                  Brenton Bank - October 1995 to September
                              President, Adel              1996       1996; President, Brenton National Bank of
                                                                      Perry - January 1992 to October 1995

Steven T. Schuler         45  Chief Financial Officer/      1990      Executive Vice President, Brenton Bank
Des Moines, Iowa              Treasurer/Secretary           1986      Services Corporation - May 1992 to
                                                                      September 1995

Norman D. Schuneman       54  Chief Credit Officer          1995      Senior Vice President - Lending of the
Des Moines, Iowa                                                      Parent Company - January 1990 to 
                                                                      December 1995; Executive Vice President,
                                                                      Brenton Bank, N.A., Des Moines - July
                                                                      1985 to October 1995
                                                                      1988 to January 1990

Gary D. Ernst             53  President - Trust             1995      Vice President - Trust of the Parent
Des Moines, Iowa              Division                                Company - June 1990 to December 1995

Mark J. Hoffschneider     45  President, Brenton            1996
Des Moines, Iowa               Mortgages, Inc.

Elizabeth M. Piper/Bach   44  President, Brenton            1995
Des Moines, Iowa              Investments, Inc.

<FN>
All of the foregoing individuals have been employed by the Company for the past five years, except for Perry C. Atwood, who was
Senior Vice President at Valley National Bank (merged with Bank One) in Phoenix, Arizona from January 1992 to April 1996; also
held positions of Director of Business Banking, Director of Sales and Regional Manager during that time period; Mark J.
Hoffschneider, who was Senior Vice President, Lending at Mercantile Bank, FSB in Davenport, Iowa from March 1991 to March 1996
and Elizabeth M. Piper/Bach, who was Vice President and Director of Investment Management Consulting and Training for John G.
Kinnard & Co. from 1993 to 1995 and Vice President and Director of the Investment Management Group of Dain Bosworth in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, prior to 1993.


     8


          (F)  Employees.

On December 31, 1996, the Parent Company had 3 full-time employees and 3 
part-time employees.  On December 31, 1996, the Company had 602 full-time 
employees and 177 part-time employees.  None of the employees of the 
Company are represented by unions.  The relationship between management and 
employees of the Company is considered good.

          (G)  Supervision and Regulation.

The Company is restricted by various regulatory bodies as to the types of 
activities and businesses in which it may engage.  References to the 
provisions of certain statutes and regulations are only brief summaries 
thereof and are qualified in their entirety by reference to those statutes 
and regulations.  The Parent Company cannot predict what other legislation 
may be enacted or what regulations may be adopted, or, if enacted or 
adopted, the effect thereof.  Furthermore, certain regulatory and 
legislative changes are discussed in Item 1, Section (B), Recent 
Developments.

The Parent Company, as a bank holding company, is subject to regulation 
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the "Act") and is registered 
with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  Under the Act, 
the Parent Company is prohibited, with certain exceptions, from acquiring 
direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5 percent of the 
voting shares of any company which is not a bank and from engaging in any 
business other than that of banking, managing and controlling banks or 
furnishing services to its affiliated banks.  However, the Parent Company 
may engage in and may own shares of companies engaged in certain businesses 
found by the Board of Governors to be so closely related to banking "as to 
be a proper incident thereto." The Act does not place territorial 
restrictions on the activities of bank-related subsidiaries of bank holding 
companies.  The Parent Company is required by the Act to file periodic 
reports of its operations with the Board of Governors and is subject to 
examination by the Board of Governors.  Under the Act and the regulations 
of the Board of Governors, bank holding companies and their subsidiaries 
are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection 
with any extension of credit or provision of any property or services.

As a savings and loan holding company, Brenton Banks, Inc. is subject to 
federal regulation and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the 
"OTS").  The OTS has enforcement authority over the Company which permits 
the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a 
serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.  Generally, the 
activities for a bank holding company are more limited than the authorized 
activities for a savings and loan holding company.

The Parent Company, its affiliated banks and its bank-related subsidiaries 
are affiliates within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act and OTS 
regulations.  As affiliates, they are subject to certain restrictions on 
loans by an affiliated bank to the Parent Company, other affiliated banks 
or such other subsidiaries, on investments by an affiliated bank in their 
stock or securities and on an affiliated bank taking such stock and 
securities as collateral for loans to any borrower.  The Company is also 
subject to certain restrictions with respect to direct issuance, flotation, 
underwriting, public sale or distribution of certain securities.

Brenton Bank is a state bank subject to the supervision of and regular 
examination by the Iowa Superintendent of Banking and, because of its 
membership in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), is 
subject to examination by the FDIC.  Brenton Bank is required to maintain 
certain minimum capital ratios established by its primary regulator.  The 
provisions of the FDIC Act restrict the activities that insured state 
chartered banks may engage in to those activities that are permissible for 
national banks, except where the FDIC determines that the activity poses no 
significant risk to the deposit insurance fund and the bank remains 
adequately capitalized.  Furthermore, the FDIC Act grants the
     9


FDIC the power to take prompt regulatory action against certain 
undercapitalized and seriously undercapitalized institutions in order to 
preserve the deposit insurance fund.  

The affiliated savings bank is subject to the supervision of and regular 
examination by the OTS and FDIC.  In addition to the fees charged by the 
FDIC, the savings bank is assessed fees by the OTS based upon the savings 
bank's total assets.  As a savings institution, the savings bank is a 
member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, it is required to 
maintain certain minimum capital ratios established by the OTS and must 
meet a qualified thrift lender test (the "QTL") to avoid certain 
restrictions upon its operations.  On December 31, 1996, Brenton Savings 
Bank, FSB complied with the current minimum capital guidelines and met the 
QTL test, which it has always met since the test was implemented.  

During 1994, the "Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency 
Act of 1994" (the "Interstate Banking Act") was enacted.  This law amends 
certain provisions of the federal banking laws (including the Bank Holding 
Company Act) to permit the acquisition of banks by banks or bank holding 
companies domiciled outside of the home state of the acquired bank.  The 
law will become effective on June 1, 1997.  The Interstate Banking Act 
seeks to provide a uniform interstate banking law for all 50 states.  The 
provisions of the law allow states to impose certain "non-discriminatory" 
conditions upon interstate mergers, including limits on the concentration 
of deposits.  According to Iowa's banking law, Iowa-based banks and bank 
holding companies can acquire banks and bank holding companies located in 
other states.  Iowa law prohibits a bank holding company or bank controlled 
by a bank holding company from acquiring additional Iowa based banks or 
bank holding companies if the total deposits of such bank holding company 
and its affiliates would exceed 10 percent of the total deposits of all 
banks and thrifts in the state.

Generally, banks in Iowa are prohibited from operating offices in counties 
other than the county in which the bank's principal office is located and 
contiguous counties.  However, certain banks located in the same or 
different municipalities or urban complexes may consolidate or merge and 
retain their existing banking locations by converting to a United Community 
Bank.  The resulting bank would adopt one principal place of business, and 
would retain the remaining banking locations of the merged or consolidated 
banks as offices.  The Company relied upon the United Community Bank law 
when it merged its 13 commercial banks into one state chartered bank in 
1995.  Generally, thrifts can operate offices in any county in Iowa and 
may, under certain circumstances, acquire or branch into thrifts in other 
states with the approval of the OTS.

          (H)  Governmental Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions.

The earnings of the Company are affected by the policies of regulatory 
authorities, including the Federal Reserve System.  Federal Reserve System 
monetary policies have had a significant effect on the operating results of 
commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the 
future.  Because of changing conditions in the economy and in the money 
markets, as a result of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, 
interest rates, credit availability and deposit levels may change due to 
circumstances beyond the control of the Company.  Future policies of the 
Federal Reserve System and other authorities cannot be predicted, nor can 
their effect on future earnings be predicted.

          (I)  Competition.

The banking business in Iowa is highly competitive and the affiliated banks 
compete not only with banks and thrifts, but with sales, finance and 
personal loan companies; credit unions; and other financial institutions 
which are active in the areas in which the affiliated banks operate.  In 
addition, the affiliated banks compete for customer funds with other 
investment alternatives available through investment brokers, insurance 
companies, finance companies and other institutions.
     10


The multi-bank holding companies which own banks in Iowa are in direct 
competition with one another.  Brenton Banks, Inc. is the largest multi-
bank holding company domiciled in Iowa.  There are six other multi-bank 
holding companies which operate banks in Iowa, but are domiciled in other 
states.  The Iowa deposits of these holding companies are of similar size 
or greater when compared to Brenton Banks, Inc.

Certain of the subsidiary banks of these multi-bank holding companies may 
compete with certain of the Parent Company's affiliated banks and any other 
affiliated financial institutions which may be acquired by the Parent 
Company.  These multi-bank holding companies, other smaller bank holding 
companies, chain banking systems and others may compete with the Parent 
Company for the acquisition of additional banks.

The Company has also expanded into the investment brokerage business in the 
last several years, placing brokers in many Brenton bank locations as well 
as individual brokerage offices. The Brenton brokers compete with brokers 
from regional and national investment brokerage firms.
     11



Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure

           The following statistical disclosures relative to the consolidated 
operations of the Company have been prepared in accordance with Guide 3 of 
the Guides for the Preparation and Filing of Reports and Registration 
Statements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Average balances were 
primarily calculated on a daily basis.

I.    Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity; 
      Interest Rates and Interest Differential

           The following summarizes the average consolidated statement of 
condition by major type of account, the interest earned and interest paid and 
the average yields and average rates paid for each of the three years ending 
December 31, 1996:




                                        1996                                  1995                          1994
                                  ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
                                            Interest    Average             Interest   Average             Interest   Average
                                   Average  Income or  Yields or  Average   Income or Yields or  Average   Income or Yields or
                                   Balance   Expense     Rates    Balance    Expense    Rates    Balance    Expense    Rates
                                  _________ __________ _________ __________ _________ _________ __________ _________ _________

                                                                      (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                          
Assets:
 Interest-earning assets
  Loans (1,2)                     $  919,578 $ 79,921  8.69%     $  945,724 $ 82,136  8.68%     $  936,370 $ 76,271  8.14%
  Investment securities held to
    maturity:
    Taxable investments:
     Securities of United States
      government agencies             38,596    2,362  6.12          27,381    1,570  5.73           2,001       98  4.92
     Mortgage-backed and related
      securities                       3,509      261  7.45          36,214    2,370  6.54          29,834    1,679  5.63
     Other investments                 4,166      255  6.12           2,364      130  5.49           3,959       85  2.15
    Tax-exempt investments:
     Obligations of states and
      political subdivisions(2)       51,639    3,449  6.68          50,235    4,044  8.05          44,584    3,433  7.70
  Investment securities available
    for sale:
     United States Treasury
      securities                      36,582    2,109  5.76          42,416    2,271  5.35          55,580    2,519  4.53
     Securities of United States
      government agencies             77,436    4,606  5.95          79,000    4,939  6.25          58,603    3,016  5.15
<FN>
(1)  The average outstanding balance is net of unearned income and includes nonaccrual loans.
(2)  Interest income and yields are stated on a tax-equivalent basis using a 34 percent federal income tax rate and are
adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense of owning tax-exempt investments.  The standard
federal income tax rate is used for consistency presentation.



     12


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

I.    Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity; 
      Interest Rates and Interest Differential, Continued




                                              1996                            1995                          1994
                                  ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
                                            Interest    Average             Interest   Average            Interest   Average
                                   Average  Income or  Yields or  Average   Income or Yields or  Average  Income or Yields or
                                   Balance   Expense     Rates    Balance    Expense    Rates    Balance   Expense    Rates
                                  _________ __________ _________ __________ _________ _________ __________ _________ _________

                                                         (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                          
     Mortgage-backed and related
      securities                     207,029   12,780  6.17         113,834    6,658  5.85         124,591    6,864  5.51
     Other investments                 8,955      568  6.34           9,536      710  7.44           7,255      641  8.87
     Tax-exempt investments:
      Obligations of states and
       political subdivisions (1)     85,471    6,097  7.13         100,859    6,763  6.71         132,040    8,412  6.37
  Loans held for sale                  7,983      676  8.47           5,908      396  6.70           2,575      193  7.50
  Federal funds sold and
     securities purchased under
     agreements to resell             26,188    1,417  5.41          39,763    2,264  5.69          37,666    1,706  4.53
  Interest-bearing deposits
     with banks                        1,393       68  4.87           1,076       67  6.20             124        8  6.65
                                   _________  _______  ____       _________  _______  ____       _________  _______  ____
 Total interest-earning assets(1)  1,468,525 $114,569  7.80%      1,454,310 $114,318  7.86%      1,435,182 $104,925  7.31%
 Allowance for loan losses           (11,440)                       (11,166)                       (10,502)
 Cash and due from banks              65,439                         57,138                         46,301
 Premises and equipment               31,728                         31,436                         24,545
 Other assets                         28,642                         29,508                         25,663
                                   _________                      _________                      _________ 
 Total assets                     $1,582,894                     $1,561,226                     $1,521,189
<FN>
(1)  Interest income and yields are stated on a tax-equivalent basis using a 34 percent federal income tax
rate and are adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense of owning tax-exempt
investments.  The standard federal income tax rate is used for consistency of presentation.



     13


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

I.   Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity; 
     Interest Rates and Interest Differential, Continued





                                             1996                          1995                          1994
                                  ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
                                            Interest    Average             Interest   Average             Interest   Average
                                   Average  Income or  Yields or  Average   Income or Yields or  Average   Income or Yields or
                                   Balance   Expense     Rates    Balance    Expense    Rates    Balance    Expense    Rates
                                  _________ __________ _________ __________ _________ _________ __________ _________ _________
                                                                      (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                          
Liabilities and stockholders' 
equity:
 Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing deposits:
   Demand                         $  376,259 $11,194   2.98%     $  355,819 $11,842   3.33%     $  250,520 $ 5,418   2.16%
   Savings                           241,250   6,134   2.54         231,633   6,638   2.87         294,715   6,878   2.33
   Time                              583,508  32,179   5.51         626,497  34,595   5.52         625,981  29,313   4.68
  Federal funds purchased and
    securities sold under
    agreements to repurchase          59,276   2,470   4.17          40,237   1,641   4.08          61,656   2,082   3.38
   Other short-term borrowings        17,294   1,015   5.87           6,536     371   5.67           4,860     264   5.42
   Long-term borrowings               33,094   2,339   7.07          37,264   2,621   7.03          26,500   1,817   6.86
                                   _________  ______   ____       _________  ______   ____       _________   ______  ____
 Total interest-bearing 
  liabilities                      1,310,681 $55,331   4.22%      1,297,986 $57,708   4.45%      1,264,232 $45,772   3.62%

 Noninterest-bearing deposits        131,051                        128,770                        127,464
 Accrued expenses and other
  liabilities                         17,521                         14,896                         13,254
                                   _________                      _________                      _________
 Total liabilities                 1,459,253                      1,441,652                      1,404,950

 Minority interest                     4,471                          4,391                          4,290
 Common stockholders' equity         119,170                        115,183                        111,949
                                   _________                      _________                      _________
 Total liabilities and
  stockholders' equity            $1,582,894                     $1,561,226                     $1,521,189

 Net interest spread (1)                               3.58%                          3.41%                          3.69%
 Net interest income/margin (1)              $59,238   4.03%                $56,610   3.89%                $59,153   4.12%
<FN>
(1)  Interest income and yields are stated on a tax-equivalent basis using a 34 percent federal income tax rate and are
adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense of owning tax-exempt investments.  The standard
federal income tax rate is used for consistency of presentation.



     14


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

I.   Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity; 
     Interest Rates and Interest Differential, Continued

          The following shows the changes in interest earned and interest 
paid due to changes in volume and changes in rate for each of the two years 
ended December 31, 1996:




                                                       1996 vs. 1995                    1995 vs. 1994
                                                __________________________       __________________________
                                                               Variance                         Variance
                                                                due to                           due to
                                                           _______________                  _______________
                                                Variance   Volume     Rate       Variance   Volume     Rate
                                                ________   ______     ____       ________   ______     ____
                                                       (In thousands)                   (In thousands)
                                                                                    
Interest Income:
 Loans (1,2)                                   $ (2,215)   (2,272)      57      $  5,865        769     5,096

 Investment securities held
  to maturity:
   Taxable investments:
    Securities of United States government
     agencies                                       792       680      112         1,472      1,452        20
    Mortgage-backed and related
     securities                                  (2,109)   (2,394)     285           691        392       299
    Other investments                               125       109       16            45        (45)       90
   Tax-exempt investments:
    Obligations of states and political
     subdivisions (2)                              (595)      110     (705)          611        450       161

 Investment securities available
  for sale:
   Taxable investments:
    United States Treasury securities              (162)     (328)     166          (248)      (658)      410
    Securities of United States government
     agencies                                      (333)      (96)    (237)        1,923      1,189       734
    Mortgage-backed and related securities        6,122     5,734      388          (206)      (614)      408
    Other investments                              (142)      (42)    (100)           69        180      (111)
   Tax-exempt investments:
    Obligations of states and political
     subdivisions (2)                              (666)   (1,078)     412        (1,649)    (2,072)      423

 Loans held for sale                                280       160      120           203        225       (22)

 Federal funds sold and securities purchased
  under agreements to resell                       (847)     (739)    (108)          558         99       459

 Interest-bearing deposits with banks                 1        17      (16)           59         60        (1)
                                                _______   _______  _______       _______    _______   _______

                                                    251      (139)     390         9,393      1,427     7,966
                                                _______   _______  _______       _______    _______   _______
Interest Expense:
 Interest-bearing deposits:
  Demand                                           (648)      655   (1,303)        6,424      2,815     3,609
  Savings                                          (504)      267     (771)         (240)    (1,634)    1,394
  Time                                           (2,416)   (2,371)     (45)        5,282         24     5,258

 Federal funds purchased and securities sold
  under agreements to repurchase                    829       793       36          (441)      (818)      377

 Other short-term borrowings                        644       631       13           107         95        12

 Long-term borrowings                              (282)     (295)      13           804        756        48
                                                _______   _______  _______       _______    _______   _______

                                                 (2,377)     (320)  (2,057)       11,936      1,238    10,698
                                                _______   _______  _______       _______    _______   _______

Net interest income (expense)                  $  2,628       181    2,447      $ (2,543)       189    (2,732)
                                                _______   _______  _______       _______    _______   _______

Note:  The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated 
       to change due to volume and rate in proportion to the relationship of
       the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
<FN>
(1)  Nonaccrual loans have been included in the analysis of volume and rate variances.

(2)  Computed on tax-equivalent basis using a 34 percent federal income tax rate and adjusted to reflect the effect of 
the nondeductible interest expense of owning tax-exempt investments.



     15


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued


I.   Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity;
     Interest Rates and Interest Differential, Continued

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

          The following schedule shows the matching of interest sensitive 
assets to interest sensitive liabilities by various maturity or repricing 
periods as of December 31, 1996.  As the schedule shows, the Company is 
liability sensitive within the one-year time frame.  Included in the three 
months or less sensitivity category are all interest-bearing demand and 
savings accounts.  Although these deposits are contractually subject to 
immediate repricing, management believes a large portion of these accounts 
are not synchronized with overall market rate movements. 





                                                   3 Months     Over 3     Over 6    Total    Over 1
                                                      or      through 6  through 12  within  through 5   Over
                                                     Less       Months     Months    1 Year    Years    5 Years    Total
                                                     ----       ------     ------    ------    -----    -------    -----
                                                                                 (In thousands)
                                                                                              
Interest-earning assets:
 Loans (1)(3)                                     $  315,296    29,402     62,254   406,952   412,631   119,698    939,281
Investment securities:
 Available for sale:
    Taxable investments (3)                           87,331    39,383     63,539   190,253   154,536    22,355    367,144
    Tax-exempt investments                             4,018     9,985      9,721    23,724    46,101    24,130     93,955
 Held to maturity:
    Taxable investments                                1,869    10,237      2,147    14,253     6,264        55     20,572
    Tax-exempt investments                             3,475     4,512      8,779    16,766    27,722     7,695     52,183
                                                    ________    ______     ______   _______   _______   _______    _______
      Total investment securities                     96,693    64,117     84,186   244,996   234,623    54,235    533,854
 Loans held for sale                                   5,870       ---        ---     5,870       ---       ---      5,870
 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
  agreements to resell                                15,200        --         --    15,200        --        --     15,200
 Interest-bearing deposits with banks                    732        --         --       732        --        --        732
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________
Total interest-earning assets                     $  433,791    93,519    146,440   673,750   647,254   173,933  1,494,937
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Interest-bearing deposits:
  Demand and savings deposits (2)                 $  627,069        --         --   627,069        --        --    627,069
  Time deposits                                      101,789   108,264    125,477   335,530   237,008       166    572,704
 Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
  agreements to repurchase                            66,826        --         --    66,826        --        --     66,826
  Other short-term borrowings                          6,500     2,500     25,150    34,150        --        --     34,150
  Long-term borrowings                                    --        --      1,464     1,464    28,622     4,774     34,860
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________
Total interest-bearing liabilities                $  802,184   110,764    152,091 1,065,039   265,630     4,940  1,335,609
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________
Interest sensitivity GAP                          $ (368,393)  (17,245)    (5,651) (391,289)  381,624   168,993    159,328
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________
Interest sensitivity GAP ratio                         .54:1     .84:1      .96:1     .63:1    2.44:1   35.21:1     1.12:1
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________

Cumulative interest sensitivity GAP               $ (368,393) (385,638)  (391,289) (391,289)   (9,665)  159,328    159,328
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________
Cumulative interest sensitivity GAP ratio              .54:1     .58:1      .63:1     .63:1     .99:1    1.12:1     1.12:1
                                                   _________ _________  _________ _________  ________   _______  _________
<FN>
(1)  Nonaccrual loans have been excluded from the interest rate sensitivity analysis.

(2)  Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits are included in the 3 months or less sensitivity category.

(3)  Assumed repayments on mortgage-related loans and investments are based upon projected prepayment speeds
which are determined by considering Wall Street estimates.



     16



Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

II.  Investment Portfolio

          The carrying value of investment securities at December 31 for each 
of the past three years follows:


                                                         December 31,
                                               ______________________________

                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                   ____      ____      ____
                                                        (In thousands)

                                                            
Investment securities available for sale
 (market value):

 Taxable investments:
  United States Treasury securities               $ 41,351   27,775   50,641
  Securities of United States government agencies   98,153   72,822   66,037
  Mortgage-backed and related securities           219,447  191,028  104,121
  Other investments                                  8,193    9,071   10,812

 Tax-exempt investments:
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions  93,955   95,674  117,598
                                                   _______  _______  _______

                                                   461,099  396,370  349,209
                                                   _______  _______  _______

Investment securities held to maturity
  (amortized cost):

 Taxable investments:
  Securities of United States government agencies   15,065   48,595    9,444
  Mortgage-backed and related securities             3,041    3,653   35,282
  Other investments                                  2,466    6,145    3,087

 Tax-exempt investments:
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions  52,183   49,689   46,671
                                                   _______  _______  _______

                                                    72,755  108,082   94,484
                                                   _______  _______  _______

               Total investment securities        $533,854  504,452  443,693
                                                   _______  _______  _______

     17


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued


II.  Investment Portfolio

          The following table shows the maturity distribution and weighted 
average yields of investment securities at December 31, 1996:




                                          Investments by Maturity and Yields at December 31, 1996
                               ____________________________________________________________________________

                                                      After One            After Five
                                    Within           but through          but through            After
                                   One Year           Five Years           Ten Years           Ten Years

                               _______________     _______________      _______________     _______________
                               Amount    Yield     Amount    Yield      Amount    Yield     Amount    Yield
                               ______    _____     ______    _____      ______    _____     ______    _____
                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                            
Investment securities 
  available for sale:

 Taxable investments:
  United States Treasury
   securities                $ 15,489    5.65%   $ 25,862    5.91%   $    --      --%    $    --      --%
  Securities of United States
   government agencies         28,285    5.66      51,368    6.08     18,500    6.48          --      --
  Mortgage-backed and 
   related securities          64,409    6.17     101,973    6.28     47,467    6.52       5,598    6.44
  Other investments             5,901    6.56       2,292    6.02         --      --          --      --
 
 Tax-exempt investments:
  Obligations of states and
   political subdivisions      16,226    4.27      48,201    5.01      7,749    5.11      21,779    5.55
                              _______    ____     _______    ____     ______    ____      ______    ____

                              130,310    5.78     229,696    5.93     73,716    6.36      27,377    5.73
                              _______    ____     _______    ____     ______    ____      ______    ____

Investment securities held 
  to maturity:

 Taxable investments:
  Securities of United States
   government agencies          4,926    5.51          --      --     10,139    6.13          --      --
  Mortgage-backed and 
   related securities             783    7.33       1,338    7.33        920    7.36          --      --
  Other investments             1,260    6.34       1,152    5.80         54    7.87          --      --

 Tax-exempt investments:
  Obligations of states and 
   political subdivisions      15,275    4.29      26,116    4.58      4,194    5.30       6,598    5.88
                              _______    ____     _______    ____     ______    ____      ______    ____

                               22,244    4.79      28,606    4.76     15,307    5.98       6,598    5.88
                              _______    ____     _______    ____     ______    ____      ______    ____
Total investment securities  $152,554    5.63%   $258,302    5.80%   $89,023    6.29%    $33,975    5.76%
                              _______    ____     _______    ____     ______    ____      ______    ____




NOTE:  The weighted average yields are calculated on the basis of the cost 
and effective yields for each scheduled maturity group.  The weighted average 
yields for tax-exempt obligations have been adjusted to a fully-taxable 
basis, assuming a 34 percent federal income tax rate and are adjusted to 
reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense of owning tax-exempt 
investments. 

As of December 31, 1996, the Company did not have securities from a single 
issuer, other than the United States Government or its agencies, which 
exceeded 10 percent of consolidated common stockholders' equity.

Maturities of all investment securities are managed to meet the Company's 
normal liquidity needs.  Investment securities available for sale may be sold 
prior to maturity to meet liquidity needs, to respond to market changes or to 
adjust the Company's asset/liability position.
     18


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

III. Loan Portfolio

          The following table shows the amount of loans outstanding by type 
as of December 31 for each of the past five years:




                                                                          December 31
                                                      ____________________________________________________
                                                        1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                                        ____       ____       ____       ____       ____
                                                                         (In thousands)
                                                                                    
1. Real estate loans:
   a. Commercial construction and land development    $ 42,693     38,123     26,549     24,189     25,180
   b. Secured by 1-4 family residential property       338,010    319,430    389,713    349,810    324,124
   c. Other                                            150,395    163,739    143,960    129,574    101,418
2. Loans to financial institutions (primarily bankers'
   acceptances)                                             --         --         --         --        393
3. Loans to farmers                                     69,660     68,543     71,853     66,574     62,471
4. Commercial and industrial loans                     132,395    119,368    115,280     90,521     75,062
5. Loans to individuals for personal expenditures,
   net of unearned income                              207,193    199,489    221,627    214,401    163,876
6. All other loans                                       1,598      1,501      1,232        812        930
                                                       _______    _______    _______    _______    _______

                                                      $941,944    910,193    970,214    875,881    753,454
                                                       _______    _______    _______    _______    _______



     19


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

III. Loan Portfolio, Continued

          The following table shows the maturity distribution of loans as of 
December 31, 1996 (excluding real estate loans secured by 1-4 family 
residential property and loans to individuals for personal expenditures):





                                                     Loans by Maturity at December 31, 1996
                                                    ________________________________________
                                                              After One
                                                                Year
                                                     Within    through    After Five
                                                    One Year  Five Years     Years    Total
                                                    ________  __________     _____    _____
                                                                  (In thousands)
                                                                         
1. Real estate loans:
   a. Commercial construction and land development  $ 32,941     7,789       1,963    42,693
   b. Other                                           41,290    56,629      52,476   150,395
2. Loans to financial institutions                        --        --          --        --
3. Loans to farmers                                   44,606    21,645       3,409    69,660
4. Commercial and industrial loans                    83,338    38,981      10,076   132,395
5. All other loans                                       813       601         184     1,598
                                                     _______   _______      ______   _______

                                                    $202,988   125,645      68,108   396,741
                                                     _______   _______      ______   _______




          The above loans due after one year which have predetermined and 
floating interest rates follow:
 
          Predetermined interest rates       $ 55,316
                                              _______

          Floating interest rates            $138,437
                                              _______
     20


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

III. Loan Portfolio, Continued

          The following schedule shows the dollar amount of loans at December 
31 for each of the past five years which were either accounted for on a 
nonaccrual basis, had been restructured to below market terms to provide a 
reduction or deferral of interest or principal, or were 90 days or more past 
due as to interest or principal.  Each particular loan has been included in 
only the most appropriate category.



                           1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                           ____      ____      ____      ____      ____
                                          (In thousands)
                                                    
Nonaccrual                $2,663     2,639     3,784     1,605     1,884

Restructured                 568       178       298       323       448

Past due 90 days or more   2,936     2,802       940     2,085     2,261
                           _____     _____     _____     _____     _____

   Nonperforming loans    $6,167     5,619     5,022     4,013     4,593
                           _____     _____     _____     _____     _____


          Interest income recorded during 1996 on nonaccrual and restructured 
loans amounted to $174,000.  The amount of interest income which would have 
been recorded during 1996, if nonaccrual and restructured loans had been 
current in accordance with the original terms, was $363,000.

          The amounts scheduled above include the entire balance of any 
particular loan.  Much of the scheduled amount is adequately collateralized, 
and thus does not represent the amount of anticipated charge-offs in the 
future.  The loans scheduled are representative of the entire customer base 
of the Company and, therefore, are not concentrated in a specific industry or 
geographic area other than the loans to farmers in Iowa.  Overdrafts are 
loans for which interest does not normally accrue.  Since overdrafts are 
generally low volume, they were not included in the above schedule, unless 
there was serious doubt concerning collection.

          The accrual of interest income is stopped when the ultimate 
collection of a loan becomes doubtful.  A loan is placed on nonaccrual status 
when it becomes 90 days past due, unless it is both well secured and in the 
process of collection.  Once determined uncollectible, previously accrued 
interest is charged to the allowance for loan losses.

          In addition to the loans scheduled above, management has identified 
other loans which, due to a change in economic circumstances or a 
deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, present serious 
concern as to the ability of the borrower to comply with present repayment 
terms.  Additionally, management considers the identification of loans 
classified for regulatory or internal purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard 
or special mention.  This serious concern may eventually result in certain of 
these loans being classified in one of the above-scheduled categories.  At 
December 31, 1996, these loans amounted to approximately $1 million.

           As of December 31, 1996, management is unaware of any other 
material interest-earning assets which have been placed on a nonaccrual 
basis, have been restructured, or are 90 days or more past due.  The amount 
of other real estate owned, which has been received in lieu of loan 
repayment, amounted to $488,000 and $869,000 at December 31, 1996, and 1995, 
respectively.
     21


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

IV.  Summary of Loan Loss Experience

          The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for 
years ended December 31, for each of the past five years: 




                                                                       Year Ended December 31
                                                           _______________________________________________
                                                            1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                                                            ____      ____      ____      ____      ____
                                                                           (In thousands)
                                                                                    
Total loans at the end of the year                        $941,944   910,193   970,214   875,881   753,454
Average loans outstanding                                  919,578   945,724   936,370   802,088   736,646
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
Allowance for loan losses -
  beginning of the year                                   $ 11,070    10,913     9,818     9,006     8,548
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
Amount of charge-offs during year:
  Real estate loans                                            479        41        83       109       276
  Loans to financial institutions                               --        --        --        --        --
  Loans to farmers                                             365        36        31        68        45
  Commercial and industrial loans                              594       340       337        54       252
  Loans to individuals for personal expenditures             2,623     2,960     1,943     1,230     1,304
  All other loans                                               --        --        48        70        67
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______

    Total charge-offs                                        4,061     3,377     2,442     1,531     1,944
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______


Amount of recoveries during year:
  Real estate loans                                             68        66       101       101        32
  Loans to financial institutions                               --        --        --        --        --
  Loans to farmers                                             138        50       146        81       179
  Commercial and industrial loans                               95       400       334       248       125
  Loans to individuals for personal expenditures             1,118     1,153       947       641       635
  All other loans                                               --        --        21        20        20
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
    Total recoveries                                         1,419     1,669     1,549     1,091       991
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
Net loans charged-off during year                            2,642     1,708       893       440       953
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
Additions to allowance charged to operating expense          2,900     1,865     1,988     1,252     1,411
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
Allowance for loan losses - end of the year               $ 11,328    11,070    10,913     9,818     9,006
                                                           _______   _______   _______   _______   _______
Ratio of allowance to loans outstanding at end of year        1.20%     1.22      1.12      1.12      1.20
                                                              ____      ____      ____      ____      ____
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding          .29%      .18       .10       .05       .13
                                                               ___       ___       ___       ___       ___



NOTE:  The provision for loan losses charged to operating expenses is based 
upon management's evaluation of the loan portfolio, past loan loss experience 
and the level of the allowance for loan losses necessary to support 
management's evaluation of potential losses in the loan portfolio.  
Management's evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is based upon 
several factors including economic conditions, historical loss and collection 
experience, risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, underlying collateral 
values, industry risk and credit concentrations.
     22


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

IV.  Summary of Loan Loss Experience, Continued

          In the following summary, the Company has allocated the allowance 
for loan losses according to the amount deemed to be reasonably necessary to 
provide for losses within each category of loans.  The amount of the 
allowance applicable to each category and the percentage of loans in each 
category to total loans follows:




                                                                   Year Ended December 31
                                 __________________________________________________________________________________________
                                        1996              1995              1994              1993             1992

                                 Allowance Percent Allowance Percent Allowance Percent Allowance Percent Allowance Percent
                                    for   of Loans   for    of Loans   for    of Loans   for    of Loans   for    of Loans
                                   Loan   to Total   Loan   to Total   Loan   to Total   Loan   to Total   Loan   to Total
                                   Losses    Loans   Losses    Loans   Losses    Loans   Losses    Loans   Losses    Loans
                                   ______    _____   ______    _____   ______    _____   ______    _____     _____   _____
                                                 (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                      
Real estate loans                  $ 2,200    56.4%  $ 2,400   57.3%   $2,600    57.7%   $2,400   57.5%    $2,200    59.8%
Loans to financial institutions         --      --        --     --        --      --        --     --         --      .1
Loans to farmers                     1,000     7.4     1,300    7.5     1,400     7.4     1,600    7.6      1,200     8.3
Commercial and industrial loans      3,200    14.0     2,900   13.1     2,800    11.9     2,700   10.3      2,700    10.0
Loans to individuals for personal
  expenditures                       4,928    22.0     4,470   21.9     4,113    22.8     3,118   24.5      2,906    21.3
All other loans                         --      .2        --     .2        --      .2        --     .1         --      .5
                                    ______   _____    ______  _____     _____   _____     _____  _____      _____   _____
                                   $11,328   100.0%  $11,070  100.0%  $10,913   100.0%   $9,818  100.0%    $9,006   100.0%
                                    ______   _____    ______  _____     _____   _____     _____  _____      _____   _____



     23


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

V.   Deposits

          A classification of the Company's average deposits and average 
rates paid for the years indicated follows:



                                            Year Ended December 31
                                    __________________________________________

                                    1996             1995             1994
                                ____________     ____________     ____________
                                Amount  Rate     Amount  Rate     Amount  Rate
                                ______  ____     ______  ____     ______  ____
                                             (Dollars in thousands)
                                                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits $  131,051   --% $  128,770   --% $  127,464   --%
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Demand                       376,259 2.98     355,819 3.33     250,520 2.16 
   Savings                      241,250 2.54     231,633 2.87     294,715 2.33 
   Time                         583,508 5.51     626,497 5.52     625,981 4.68 
                              _________ ____   _________ ____   _________ ____

                             $1,332,068       $1,342,719       $1,298,680      
                              _________        _________        _________


          The following sets forth the maturity distribution of all time 
deposits of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 1996:

                                               Large Time Deposits
                                                  by Maturity at
          Maturity Remaining                    December 31, 1996
          __________________                   ___________________
                                                  (In thousands)

          Less than 3 months                          $23,750
          Over 3 through 6 months                      20,927
          Over 6 through 12 months                     12,259
          Over 12 months                               25,075
                                                       ______

                                                      $82,011
                                                       ______


VI.  Return on Equity and Assets

          Various operating and equity ratios for the years indicated are 
presented below:



                                                     Year Ended  December 31,
                                                     ________________________
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                      ____     ____     ____
                                                              
Return on average total assets:
  Net income before deduction of minority interest     .92%     .71%     .70%

Return on average equity                             11.76     9.04     9.03

Common dividend payout ratio                         26.86    33.58    34.65

Average equity to average assets                      7.53     7.38     7.36

Equity to assets ratio                                7.41     7.47     7.28

Tier 1 leverage capital ratio                         7.62     7.45     7.23

Primary capital ratio                                 8.33     8.40     8.18
                                                      ____     ____     ____

     24


Item 1(J) Business - Statistical Disclosure, Continued

VII. Short-Term Borrowings

          Information relative to federal funds purchased and securities sold 
under agreements to repurchase follows:



                                               1996        1995        1994
                                               ____        ____        ____
                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                                              
Amount outstanding at December 31            $66,826      41,107       70,704
Weighted average interest rate at
  December 31                                   3.74%       4.14         4.73
Maximum amount outstanding at any
  quarter-end                                $73,359      41,107       70,704
Average amount outstanding during
  the year                                   $59,276      40,237       61,656
Weighted average interest rate during
  the year                                      4.17%       4.08         3.38
                                                ____        ____         ____


          Information relative to other short-term borrowings, which consist 
primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, follows:



                                               1996       1995        1994
                                               ____       ____        ____
                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                                            
Amount outstanding at December 31             $34,150     2,500      12,000
Weighted average interest rate at
  December 31                                   5.97%      4.68        5.40
Maximum amount outstanding at any
  quarter-end                                 $34,150     7,000      12,000
Average amount outstanding during
  the year                                    $17,294     6,536       4,860
Weighted average interest rate during
  the year                                      5.87%       5.67       5.42
                                                ____        ____       ____

     25




Item 2.   Properties.

At December 31, 1996, the affiliated banks and subsidiaries had 45 service 
locations with approximately 305,000 square feet, all located in Iowa.  Of 
these locations, 30 were owned by the Company - approximately 222,000 
square feet; 3 were owned buildings on leased land - approximately 30,000 
square feet and 12 were operated under lease contracts with unaffiliated 
parties - approximately 53,000 square feet.

The Company leases certain real estate and equipment under long-term and 
short-term leases.  The Company owns certain real estate which is leased to 
unrelated persons.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

The Company (Brenton Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is involved in 
various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of 
business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these 
matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial 
position or results of operations. 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There were no matters submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal 
year covered by this report to a vote of security holders, through the 
solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

PART II

Item 5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder 
Matters.

The information appearing on pages 23 and 30 of the Corporation's Appendix 
to the Proxy Statement, filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, is incorporated herein 
by reference.

There were approximately 1,546 holders of record of the Parent Company's $5 
common stock as of March 10, 1997.  The closing bid price of the Parent 
Company's common stock was $27.75 on March 10, 1997.

The Parent Company increased dividends to common shareholders in 1996 to 
$.454 per share, a 11.0 percent increase over $.409 for 1995.  Dividend 
declarations are evaluated and determined by the Board of Directors on a 
quarterly basis.  In January 1997, the Board of Directors declared a 
dividend of $.13 per common share.  There are currently no restrictions on 
the Parent Company's present or future ability to pay dividends.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The information appearing on page 11 of the Company's Appendix to the Proxy 
Statement, filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations.

The information appearing on pages 3 through 9 of the Company's Appendix to 
the Proxy Statement, filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, is incorporated herein by 
reference.
     26


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The information appearing on pages 12 through 29 of the Company's Appendix 
to the Proxy Statement, filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, is incorporated herein 
by reference.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
Financial Disclosure.

Within the twenty-four months prior to the date of the most recent 
financial statements, there has been no change of accountants of the 
Company.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The definitive proxy statement of Brenton Banks, Inc., which will be filed 
not later than 120 days following the close of the Company's fiscal year 
ending December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.  See also 
Item 1(E) of this Form 10-K captioned "Executive Officers of the 
Registrant."

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The definitive proxy statement of Brenton Banks, Inc., which will be filed 
not later than 120 days following the close of the Company's fiscal year 
ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

The definitive proxy statement of Brenton Banks, Inc., which will be filed 
not later than 120 days following the close of the Company's fiscal year 
ending December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The definitive proxy statement of Brenton Banks, Inc., which will be filed 
not later than 120 days following the close of the Company's fiscal year 
ending December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV


Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

          The following exhibits and financial statement schedules are filed 
as part of this report:

          (a)     1.  Financial Statements: See the financial statements on
                      pages 12 through 29 of the Company's Appendix to the
                      Proxy Statement, filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, which are
                      incorporated by reference herein.

                  2.  Financial Statement Schedules: See Exhibits 11 and 12,
                      for computation of earnings per share and ratios.
     27


                  3.  Exhibits (not covered by independent auditors' report).

                      Exhibit 3

                      The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws,
                      as amended, of Brenton Banks, Inc.  These Articles of
                      Incorporation and Bylaws are incorporated by reference
                      from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                      ended December 31, 1993.

                      Exhibit 10.1

                     Summary of the Company's Bonus Plans under which
                     some of the executive officers of the Company
                     and certain other personnel of the subsidiaries
                     are eligible to receive a bonus each year.

                     Exhibit 10.2

                     1996 Stock Option Plan, Administrative Rules
                     and Agreement under which officers of the Company
                     are eligible to receive options to purchase
                     an aggregate of 550,000 shares of the Company's $5 par
                     value common stock.  This 1996 Stock Option Plan,
                     Administrative Rules and Agreement is incorporated by 
                     reference from Form 10-Q of Brenton Banks, Inc. for 
                     the quarter ended September 30, 1996.

                     Exhibit 10.3

                     Directors' Incentive Plan.  This Directors' Incentive 
                     Plan is incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q of 
                     Brenton Banks, Inc. for the quarter ended 
                     September 30, 1995.

                     Exhibit 10.4

                     Employment Agreement, dated July 6, 1989, between
                     William H. Brenton and Brenton Banks, Inc.  
                     This Employment Agreement is incorporated by reference
                     from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.5

                     Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, Administrative
                     Rules and Agreement under which officers of
                     the Company are eligible to receive options
                     to purchase an aggregate of 330,000 shares of
                     the Company's $5 par value common stock.  This
                     Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, Administrative
                     Rules and Agreement is incorporated by reference
                     from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
                     year ended December 31, 1992.
     28


                     Exhibit 10.6

                     Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements
                     and related documents, effective for 1994, under
                     which certain of the Company's senior officers
                     and bank presidents are eligible to receive shares
                     of Brenton Banks, Inc. stock based upon their
                     service to the Company and Company performance.
                     This Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements
                     and related documents are incorporated by reference
                     from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
                     year ended December 31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.7

                     Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements
                     and related documents, effective for 1993, under
                     which certain of the Company's senior officers
                     and bank presidents are eligible to receive shares of
                     Brenton Banks, Inc. stock based upon their service
                     to the Company and Company performance.  This
                     Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements
                     and related documents are incorporated by reference
                     from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
                     year ended December 31, 1993.

                     Exhibit 10.8

                     Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements
                     and related documents, effective for 1995, under
                     which certain of the Company's senior officers
                     and bank presidents are eligible to receive shares
                     of Brenton Banks, Inc. stock based upon their
                     service to the Company and Company performance.
                     This Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements
                     and related documents are incorporated by reference
                     from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1995.

                     Exhibit 10.9

                     Standard Agreement for Advances, Pledge and Security
                     Agreement between Brenton Banks and the Federal Home
                     Loan Bank of Des Moines.  This Standard Agreement
                     for Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement
                     is incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of
                     Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended December 31,
                     1993.

                     Exhibit 10.10

                     Short-term note with American National Bank & Trust
                     Company of Chicago as of  April 30, 1996, setting
                     forth the terms of the Parent Company's
                     $2,000,000 short-term debt agreement.

                     Exhibit 10.11

                     Data Processing Agreement dated December 1, 1991
                     by and between ALLTEL Financial Information 
                     Services, Inc., (formerly Systematics, Inc.)
                     and Brenton Bank (formerly Brenton
                     Information Systems, Inc.).
     29


                     Exhibit 10.12

                     Correspondent Services Agreement dated
                     November 13, 1996 between Brenton Bank and the
                     Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.

                     Exhibit 10.13

                     Adoption Agreement #003 - Nonstandardized Code
                     Section 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, effective
                     November 14, 1996.

                     Exhibit 10.14

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated April 12, 1993.  This Indenture
                     Agreement is incorporated by reference from
                     Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1993.

                     Exhibit 10.15

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated April 14, 1992.  This Indenture
                     Agreement is incorporated by reference from
                     Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
                     year ended December 31, 1992.  

                     Exhibit 10.16

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated March 27, 1991.

                     Exhibit 10.17

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated August 5, 1991.

                     Exhibit 10.18

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated April 8, 1994.  This Indenture
                     Agreement is incorporated by reference from
                     Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.19

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated April 10, 1995.  This Indenture
                     Agreement is incorporated by reference from Form
                     10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1995.

                     Exhibit 10.20

                     Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital
                     Notes dated April 10, 1996.
     30


                     Exhibit 10.21

                     Split Dollar Insurance Agreement between the
                     Company, William H. Brenton Crummy Trust and
                     William H. Brenton Crummy Trust II, dated November
                     23, 1994. This Split Dollar Insurance Agreement
                     is incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of
                     Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended December
                     31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.22

                     Split Dollar Insurance Agreement between the
                     Company and Brenton Life Insurance Trust for
                     the benefit of C. Robert Brenton, dated August
                     12, 1994.  This Split Dollar Insurance Agreement
                     is incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of
                     Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended December
                     31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.23

                     Split Dollar Insurance Agreement between the
                     Company and Brenton Life Insurance Trust
                     for the benefit of Junius C. Brenton, dated
                     January 12, 1997.

                     Exhibit 10.24

                     Agreement between Robert L. DeMeulenaere and
                     the Company regarding the change in
                     control arrangements, dated December 31, 1994.
                     This Agreement is incorporated by reference from
                     Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.25

                     Agreement between Larry A. Mindrup and the
                     Company regarding the change in control
                     arrangements, dated December 31, 1994.  This
                     Agreement is incorporated by reference from Form
                     10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
                     ended December 31, 1994.

                     Exhibit 10.26

                     Agreement between Norman D. Schuneman and the
                     Company regarding the change in control arrangements,
                     dated December 31, 1994.  This Agreement
                     is incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton
                     Banks, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1995.

                     Exhibit 10.27

                     Twelfth Amendment to Data Processing Agreement
                     dated July 1, 1995, by and between ALLTEL Financial
                     Information Services, Inc. (formerly Systematics, Inc.
                     and Systematics Financial Services, Inc.) and Brenton
                     Banks Services Corp. (formerly Brenton Information
                     Systems, Inc.).  This Twelfth Amendment to Data
                     Processing Agreement is incorporated by reference from
                     Form 10-Q of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the quarter ended
                     September 30, 1995.
     31


                     Exhibit 10.28

                     Thirteenth Amendment to Data Processing
                     Agreement dated December 1, 1995, by and
                     between ALLTEL Financial Information Services,
                     Inc. (formerly Systematics Financial Services,
                     Inc.) and Brenton Bank (formerly Brenton
                     Banks Services Corp.).  This Thirteenth Amendment
                     to Data Processing Agreement is incorporated
                     by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc.
                     for the year ended December 31, 1995.

                      Exhibit 11

                      Statement of computation of earnings per share.

                      Exhibit 12

                      Statement of computation of ratios. 

                      Exhibit 13

                      The Appendix to the Proxy Statement for Brenton Banks,
                      Inc., for the 1996 calendar year.

                      Exhibit 21

                      Subsidiaries.  

                      Exhibit 23

                      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to the incorporation
                      of their report dated February 7, 1997, relating to
                      certain consolidated financial statements of Brenton
                      Banks, Inc. into the Registration Statement on Form S-8
                      of Brenton Banks, Inc.

                      Exhibit 27

                      Financial Data Schedule (filed only with Electronic
                      Transmission).

          The Parent Company will furnish to any shareholder upon request a 
copy of any exhibit upon payment of a fee of $.50 per page. Requests for 
copies of exhibits should be directed to Steven T. Schuler, Chief Financial 
Officer/Treasurer/Secretary, at Brenton Banks, Inc., P.O. Box 961, 
Des Moines, Iowa 50304-0961.

          (b)     Reports on Form 8-K:  No reports on Form 8-K were required 
to be filed during the last quarter of 1996.
     32


SIGNATURES



          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report 
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



BRENTON BANKS, INC.




By  /s/ C. Robert Brenton      
Chairman of the Board of Directors
C. ROBERT BRENTON

Date:  March 13, 1997




          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of 
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.





By  /s/ C. Robert Brenton
Chairman of the Board and Director
C. ROBERT BRENTON
Principal Executive Officer

Date:  March 13, 1997




By  /s/ Robert L. DeMeulenaere 
President and Director
ROBERT L. DEMEULENAERE
Principal Executive Officer

Date:  March 13, 1997
     33


By  /s/ Steven T. Schuler 
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer/Secretary
STEVEN T. SCHULER
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Accounting Officer

Date:  March 13, 1997




BOARD OF DIRECTORS


By  /s/ William H. Brenton
WILLIAM H. BRENTON

Date:  March 13, 1997


By  /s/ Junius C. Brenton
JUNIUS C. BRENTON

Date:  March 13, 1997


By  /s/ R. Dean Duben
R. DEAN DUBEN

Date:  March 13, 1997


By  /s/ Hubert G. Ferguson
HUBERT G. FERGUSON

Date:  March 13, 1997


By  /s/ Gary M. Christensen
GARY M. CHRISTENSEN

Date:  March 13, 1997
     34


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibits                                                               Page  

          Exhibit 3

          The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws,
          as amended, of Brenton Banks, Inc.  These Articles of
          Incorporation and Bylaws are incorporated by reference
          from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year
          ended December 31, 1993.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   40

          Exhibit 10.1

          Summary of the Company's Bonus Plans under which some
          of the executive officers of the Company and certain
          other personnel of the subsidiaries are eligible to
          receive a bonus each year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   41

          Exhibit 10.2

          1996 Stock Option Plan, Administrative Rules and
          Agreement under which officers of the Company are
          eligible to receive options to purchase an aggregate
          of 550,000 shares of the Company's $5 par value common
          stock.  This 1996 Stock Option Plan, Administrative
          Rules and Agreement is incorporated by reference from
          Form 10-Q of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the quarter ended
          September 30, 1996. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43

          Exhibit 10.3

          Directors' Incentive Plan.  This Directors' Incentive
          Plan is incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q of
          Brenton Banks, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30,
          1995.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   44

          Exhibit 10.4

          Employment Agreement, dated July 6, 1989, between William
          H. Brenton and Brenton Banks, Inc.  This Employment
          Agreement is incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of
          Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 
          1994.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   45

          Exhibit 10.5

          Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, Administrative Rules
          and Agreement under which officers of the Company are
          eligible to receive options to purchase an aggregate of
          330,000 shares of the Company's $5 par value common 
          stock.  This Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, 
          Administrative Rules and Agreement is incorporated by
          reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
          year ended December 31, 1992. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
     35


          Exhibit 10.6

          Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements and
          related documents, effective for 1994, under which
          certain of the Company's senior officers and bank
          presidents are eligible to receive shares of Brenton Banks,
          Inc. stock based upon their service to the Company and
          Company performance. This Long-Term Stock Compensation
          Plan, Agreements and related documents are incorporated
          by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for
          the year ended December 31, 1994.. . . . . . . . . . . .    47

          Exhibit 10.7

          Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements and
          related documents, effective for 1993, under which
          certain of the Company's senior officers and bank 
          presidents are eligible to receive shares of Brenton Banks,
          Inc. stock based upon their service to the Company and
          Company performance. This Long-Term Stock Compensation
          Plan, Agreements and related documents are incorporated
          by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for
          the year ended December 31, 1993. . . . . . . . . . . ..    48

          Exhibit 10.8

          Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan, Agreements and
          related documents, effective for 1995, under which
          certain of the Company's senior officers and bank
          presidents are eligible to receive shares of Brenton
          Banks, Inc.   This Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan,
          Agreements and related documents are incorporated by
          reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
          year ended December 31, 1995.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49

          Exhibit 10.9

          Standard Agreement for Advances, Pledge and Security
          Agreement between Brenton Banks and the Federal Home Loan
          Bank of Des Moines.  This Standard Agreement for Advances,
          Pledge and Security Agreement is incorporated by reference
          from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended
          December 31, 1993.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   50

          Exhibit 10.10

          Short-term note with American National Bank & Trust
          Company of Chicago as of April 30, 1996, setting forth
          the terms of the Parent Company's $2,000,000 short-term
          debt agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..    51

          Exhibit 10.11

          Data Processing Agreement dated December 1, 1991 by and
          between ALLTEL Financial Information Services, Inc.,
          (formerly Systematics, Inc.) and Brenton Bank (formerly
          Brenton Insurance Systems, Inc.). . . . . . . . . . . . .   55

          Exhibit 10.12

          Correspondent Services Agreement dated November 13, 1996
          between Brenton Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of
          Des Moines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  124
     36


          Exhibit 10.13

          Adoption Agreement #003 - Nonstandardized Code Section
          401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, effective November 14, 1996.  .142

          Exhibit 10.14

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes dated
          April 12, 1993. This Indenture Agreement is incorporated
          by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
          year ended December 31, 1993. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  183

          Exhibit 10.15

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes dated
          April 14, 1992.  This Indenture Agreement is incorporated
          by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
          year ended December 31, 1992.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

          Exhibit 10.16

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes dated
          March 27, 1991. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  ..185

          Exhibit 10.17

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes
          dated August 5, 1991. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  204

          Exhibit 10.18

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes
          dated April 8, 1994. This Indenture Agreement is
          incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton
          Banks, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1994.. . . ..  219

          Exhibit 10.19

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes
          dated April 10, 1995. This Indenture Agreement is
          incorporated by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton 
          Banks, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1995.. . . .   220

          Exhibit 10.20

          Indenture Agreement with respect to Capital Notes
          dated April 10, 1996.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   221

          Exhibit 10.21

          Split Dollar Insurance Agreement between the Company,
          William H. Brenton Crummy Trust and William H. Brenton
          Crummy Trust II, dated November 23, 1994.  This Split
          Dollar Insurance Agreement is incorporated by reference
          from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended
          December 31, 1994.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  223
     37


          Exhibit 10.22

          Split Dollar Insurance Agreement between the Company and
          Brenton Life Insurance Trust for the benefit of C. 
          Robert Brenton, dated August 12, 1994. This Split
          Dollar Insurance Agreement is incorporated by reference
          from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended
          December 31, 1994. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    224

          Exhibit 10.23

          Split Dollar Insurance Agreement between the Company
          and Brenton Life Insurance Trust for the benefit of
          Junius C. Brenton, dated January 12, 1997.. . . . . . . .   225

          Exhibit 10.24

          Agreement between Robert L. DeMeulenaere and the 
          Company regarding the change in control arrangements,
          dated December 31, 1994.  This Agreement is incorporated
          by reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for
          the year ended December 31, 1994.  . . . . . . . . . . . .  237

          Exhibit 10.25

          Agreement between Larry A. Mindrup and the Company
          regarding the change in control arrangements, dated
          December 31, 1994.  This Agreement is incorporated by
          reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
          year ended December 31, 1994. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   238

          Exhibit 10.26

          Agreement between Norman D. Schuneman and the Company
          regarding the change in control arrangements, dated
          December 31, 1994.  This Agreement is incorporated by
          reference from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the
          year ended December 31, 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   239

          Exhibit 10.27

          Twelfth Amendment to Data Processing Agreement dated
          July 1, 1995, by and between ALLTEL Financial Information 
          Services, Inc. (formerly Systematics, Inc. and Systematics 
          Financial Services, Inc.) and Brenton Banks Services Corp. 
          (formerly Brenton Information Systems, Inc.).  This Twelfth 
          Amendment to Data Processing Agreement is incorporated by
          reference from Form 10-Q of Brenton Banks, Inc. for
          the quarter ended September 30, 1995. . . . . . . . . . . .  240

          Exhibit 10.28

          Thirteenth Amendment to Data Processing Agreement dated
          December 1, 1995, by and between ALLTEL Financial
          Information Services, Inc. (formerly Systematics 
          Financial Services, Inc.) and Brenton Bank (formerly
          Brenton Banks Services Corp.).  This Thirteeneth Amendment
          to Data Processing Agreement is incorporated by reference
          from Form 10-K of Brenton Banks, Inc. for the year ended
          December 31, 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 241
    38


          Exhibit 11

          Statement of computation of earnings per share. . . . . . .   242

          Exhibit 12

          Statement of computation of ratios. . . . . . . . . . . . .   244

          Exhibit 13

          The Appendix to the Proxy Statement for Brenton Banks,
          Inc. for the 1996 calendar year. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    248

          Exhibit 21

          Subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  .   286

          Exhibit 23

          Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to the incorporation
          of their report dated February 7, 1997, relating to
          certain consolidated financial statements of Brenton
          Banks, Inc. into the Registration Statement on Form S-8
          of Brenton Banks, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   288

          Exhibit 27

          Financial Data Schedule (filed only with Electronic
          Transmission).  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   290
     39