EXHIBIT 23.1

               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
               --------------------------------------------------


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Experts in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4, No. 333-____) and related Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of Peoples Bancorp Inc. for the registration of its common
shares to be issued pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of November 29, 2002, between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Kentucky
Bancshares Incorporated, and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated January 24, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Peoples Bancorp Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                              Ernst & Young LLP


Charleston, West Virginia
March 6, 2003