1 EXHIBIT 23.1 2 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors First Banks, Inc.: We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP St. Louis, Missouri December 20, 1996 3 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors First Commercial Bancorp, Inc.: We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP St. Louis, Missouri December 20, 1996