EXHIBIT 99.1


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2002

                              N E W S   R E L E A S E
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National Bancshares Corporation completes its merger with Peoples Financial
Corporation


Orrville, Ohio -- National Bancshares Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board "NBOH")
completed its acquisition of Peoples Financial Corporation of Massillon, Ohio on
Wednesday, April 3, 2002.

As a result of the merger each share of Peoples Financial Corporation common
stock was converted into the right to receive $12.25 in cash.

Peoples Financial Corporation's thrift subsidiary, Peoples Federal Savings and
Loan Association of Massillon, also merged with and into First National Bank,
National Bancshares Corporation's bank subsidiary.

"The $15.2 million transaction is a significant step in implementing growth of
National Bancshares Corporation," said Charles J. Dolezal, President and Chief
Executive Officer of National Bancshares Corporation. "Customers of Peoples
Financial Corporation can expect additional banking products and services and
employees will have the opportunity to grow and prosper as part of a larger
community bank." Dolezal continued, " Peoples Federal and its staff built a
solid banking franchise over the years, and we're glad they are joining our team
of dedicated banking professionals."

With completion of the acquisition, National Bancshares Corporation's total
assets as of December 31, 2001 increased to $294 million on a pro forma basis.
National Bancshares Corporation, a one-bank holding company, and First National
Bank, its subsidiary, are headquartered in Orrville, Ohio with eleven banking
offices serving Wayne County, portions of western Stark County, northeastern
Holmes County and southern Medina County. With the merger complete, First
National Bank has expanded into Stark County with the addition of Peoples
Federal's three Massillon offices.




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