98


                                  EXHIBIT 24

                       Consent of Independent Auditors

  99

SNODGRASS
Certified Public Accountants






                           CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS







We consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated January 21,
2000 relative to the consolidated balance sheet of First West Virginia
Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and the related consolidated statements
of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1999.  Said report is included in
the 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders of First West Virginia Bancorp, Inc.
(Exhibit 13.1 to this Form 10-K).







/s/ S.R. Snodgrass A.C.



Wheeling, West Virginia
March 13, 2000










S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.
980 National Road Wheeling, WV 26003-6400 Phone: 304-233-5030  Facsimile:
304-233-3062