UNITED BANCORP INC /OH/
PRE 14A, 1996-02-29
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1
                                 SCHEDULE 14A
                                (Rule 14a-101)

                   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

                           SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
         Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                    Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.  )

    Filed by the registrant [X]

    Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]

    Check the appropriate box:

    [X] Preliminary proxy statement    [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Com-
                                           mission Only (as permitted by
                                           Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

    [ ] Definitive proxy statement

    [ ] Definitive additional materials

    [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or
        Rule 14a-12


                             UNITED BANCORP, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


                                JAMES EVERSON
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)


Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

    [X] $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2)
or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.

    [ ] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act 
Rule 14a-6(i)(3).

    [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

    (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed 
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing 
fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Total fee paid:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act 
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was 
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement 
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.

    (1) Amount previously paid:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Filing party:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Date filed:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>   2



                              UNITED BANCORP, INC.
                           Martins Ferry, Ohio  43935

                NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

     UNITED BANCORP, INC.
     MARTINS FERRY, OHIO

     March 20, 1996

     You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of United
Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 1996 at
2:00 p.m. at the Company's main office, Fourth at Hickory Street, Martins
Ferry, Ohio, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following:

1.   To fix the number of Directors at a minimum of  nine  (9) and a maximum
     of thirteen  (13) and to elect three (3) Directors to Class I of the Board
     of Directors, specifically,


               Michael J. Arciello            Vice President - Finance
                                              Nickles Bakeries

               John H. Clark, Jr.             Retired Foundry Owner

               Dr. Leon F. Favede, O.D.       Optometrist

     to serve as Directors of Class I until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
     in 1999, and until their successors are duly elected and shall have
     qualified; and

2.   To ratify and approve the United  Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan as
     proposed in the Proxy Statement

3.   To ratify and approve the appointment of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
     independent certified public accountants, to serve as the Company's
     external auditor for fiscal year 1996;  and

4.   To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
     or any adjournment thereof.

     The Board of Directors has fixed March 10,  1996 as the record date for
     the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote
     at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

     ALL ARE NOTIFIED THAT PROXIES SIGNED IN BLANK, OR NAMING PRESENT OFFICERS
     OR DIRECTORS AS AGENTS TO VOTE THE SHARES SO REQUESTED WILL BE VOTED IN
     FAVOR OF THE PROPOSALS HEREIN CONTAINED.

     Whether or not you plan to attend our annual meeting, please execute the
enclosed proxy and return it as promptly as possible in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope.  If you do attend the meeting, you may withdraw your
proxy.

                                  Signed by order of the Board of Directors


                                  /s/ Norman F. Assenza, Jr. 
                                  -------------------------------------------
                                      Norman F. Assenza, Jr., Secretary
 
<PAGE>   3
                              UNITED BANCORP, INC.
                            Fourth at Hickory Street
                           Martins Ferry, Ohio  43935

                                PROXY STATEMENT

     This statement  is furnished to shareholders of United Bancorp, Inc. (the
"Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the headquarters of the Company, 4th at
Hickory Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio, Wednesday, April 17, 1996 at 2:00 p.m.
(local time).  The number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote thereat is
1,847,942, $1.00 par value per share.  No individual beneficially owns over 5%
of the outstanding shares.  Shareholders of record on March 10, 1996, will have
one vote for each share held on such date, and do not have the right to
cumulate votes in the election of directors.  This proxy statement and proxy
are being mailed on or about March 20, 1996.

     The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors.  It is
contemplated that solicitation of proxies will be by use of the mails only.
However, in addition, solicitation may be made by telephone or telegraph, by
officers or  by employees of the Company, or officers or employees of the
Company's subsidiary banks.  The cost of such solicitation will be borne by the
Company, which may reimburse brokerage firms and nominees for reasonable
expenses incurred by them, and approved by the Company, in forwarding proxy
materials to beneficial owners.  You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to
its exercise by giving written or oral notice to the President and Chief
Executive Officer, or by executing a subsequently dated proxy or by voting in
person at the annual meeting.

                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

     Pursuant to the terms of the Code of Regulations of United Bancorp, Inc.,
the Board of Directors is divided into three classes, designated as Class I,
Class II and Class III, with each class consisting of approximately one-third
of the total number of directors as fixed from time to time  by the
shareholders.  The directors serve staggered three-year terms, so that
directors of only one class are elected at each Annual Meeting of shareholders.
At the forthcoming Annual Meeting, the shareholders will be asked to elect
three directors to serve in Class I.  Unless otherwise specified in any proxy,
the proxies solicited hereunder will be voted in favor of fixing the number of
directors at a minimum of nine (9)  and a maximum of thirteen (13)  and for the
election of the three nominees listed below.

     The nominees for election at the forthcoming Annual Meeting are Messrs.
Michael J. Arciello, John H. Clark, Jr. and Dr. Leon F. Favede, all of whom are
present directors of the Company.  If elected, the nominees will serve a three
(3)  year term, which shall expire at the annual meeting of shareholders in
1999, and until their successors are duly elected and shall have qualified.


                                      1

<PAGE>   4



     The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote the proxy in
accordance with the choice specified.  If no choice is specified, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to elect the three
nominees named above.
                           INFORMATION AS TO NOMINEES

     The Names of the nominees for election as Directors, together with
specific information about the nominees, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     UNITED BANCORP,         
                                                                                      INC. SHARES            
                                                                                         OWNED                   
NAME AND AGE                     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION           YEAR OF             BENEFICIALLY (1)              % OF
CLASS I (TERM EXPIRES IN 1999)     PAST FIVE YEARS          INITIAL ELECTION           (3/10/96)               OUTSTANDING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                          <C>                      <C>                       <C>
MICHAEL J. ARCIELLO             Vice President-Finance           1992                     1,100                     .06%    
Massillon, Ohio                 Nickles Bakeries
AGE:  61                                              

JOHN H. CLARK, JR.              Retired Foundry Owner            1976                    20,064                    1.09% 
Wheeling, West Virginia     
AGE:  68     

DR. LEON F. FAVEDE, O.D.        Optometrist                      1981                     6,436(7)                  .35%
St. Clairsville, Ohio
Age:  59          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
               INFORMATION AS TO DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS OF OFFICE
                  WILL CONTINUE AFTER THE 1996 ANNUAL MEETING

                                                                                     UNITED BANCORP,         
                                                                                      INC. SHARES            
                                                                                         OWNED                   
NAME AND AGE                     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION           YEAR OF             BENEFICIALLY (1)              % OF
CLASS II (TERM EXPIRES IN 1997)    PAST FIVE YEARS          INITIAL ELECTION           (3/10/96)               OUTSTANDING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                          <C>                      <C>                       <C>
DONALD A. DAVISON               Chairman of the Board           1963                   27,346 (2)                1.48% 
Martins Ferry, Ohio             United Bancorp, Inc.
Age:  78                        Martins Ferry, Ohio
                                The Citizens Savings Bank
                                Martins Ferry, Ohio
                                Retired Electrical
                                Contractor                

PREMO R. FUNARI                 Retired Coal Executive          1976                   79,200 (3)                4.29% 
Martins Ferry, Ohio
Age:  85                      

MATTHEW C. THOMAS               President                       1988                    5,720                     .31% 
St. Clairsville, Ohio           M. C. Thomas Insurance
Age:  39                        Agency, Inc.               

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                                     UNITED BANCORP,         
                                                                                      INC. SHARES            
                                                                                         OWNED                   
NAME AND AGE                     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION           YEAR OF             BENEFICIALLY (1)              % OF
CLASS III (TERM EXPIRES IN 1998)   PAST FIVE YEARS          INITIAL ELECTION           (3/10/96)               OUTSTANDING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                          <C>                      <C>                       <C>
HERMAN E. BORKOSKI              President-Borkoski              1987                   12,042 (4)                .65%
Tiltonsville, Ohio              Funeral Homes, Inc.
Age:  58                            

JAMES W. EVERSON                President and Chief             1969                   45,034 (5)               2.44% 
St. Clairsville, Ohio           Executive Officer - United
Age:  57                        Bancorp, Inc. and The
                                Citizens Savings Bank,
                                Martins Ferry, Ohio 
                                Director - The 
                                Citizens-State Bank
                                Strasburg, Ohio                

                                          
JOHN M. HOOPINGARNER            General Manager and             1992                      440                    .02%  
Dover, Ohio                     Secretary-Treasurer 
AGE:  41                        Muskingum Watershed      
                                Conservance District 

RICHARD L RIESBECK              President - Riesbeck            1984                    8,360 (6)                .45%   
St. Clairsville, Ohio           Food Markets, Inc.
Age:  46          
                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>   5


           SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT OTHER THAN COMPANY DIRECTORS

The following table sets forth, as of March 10, 1996 the beneficial ownership
of Common Shares of the Company by each Executive Officer of the Company and
its subsidiaries and by all such persons, including Company Directors, as a
group.

<TABLE>
                                                       Common Shares
               Name                                Beneficially Owned  (1)           Percent
               ----                                -----------------------           -------
<S>                                                        <C>                      <C>            
       Charles E. Allensworth                                  330                     0.02
       Norman F. Assenza, Jr. (8)                            1,805                     0.10
       Ronald S. Blake                                          44                      nil
       Cleo S. Dull                                            440                     0.02
       Lee V. Grafton                                        1,122                     0.06
       William S. Holbrook                                   3,608                     0.17
       James A. Lodes (9)                                      453                     0.02
       Brent W. Metzger                                        467                     0.02
       Harold W. Price (10)                                    670                     0.04
All Company Directors and
Officers as a Group (19 individuals)                       212,681                    11.51%
</TABLE>


   (1)  Beneficial ownership of Common Shares, as determined in accordance
        with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
        includes shares as to which a person has or shares voting power and/or
        investment power.  Except as otherwise indicated, the shareholders
        listed above have sole voting and investment power with respect to
        their Common Shares.

   (2)  Includes 10,758 Common Shares held in trust  by spouse, Marjorie
        Davison, Trustee; 16,368 Common Shares held in trust, Donald A.
        Davison, Trustee.

   (3)  Includes 39,600 Common Shares held of record by spouse, Anna
        Funari.

   (4)  Includes 3,770 Common Shares held of record by spouse, Frances L.
        Borkoski; 3,564 Common Shares held of record by Borkoski Funeral Homes,
        Inc.

   (5)  Includes 22,220 Common Shares of record held by spouse, Marlene K.
        Everson; 594 Common Shares held of record by son Todd M. Everson.

   (6)  Includes 7,810 Common Shares held of record by Riesbeck Food
        Markets, Inc.

   (7)  Includes 5,258 Common Shares held of record by Pension Plan of Dr.
        Favede, Dr.  Leon F. Favede, Trustee; 338 Common Shares held of record
        by son Leon M. Favede.

   (8)  Includes 1,082 Common Shares held of record jointly with parent,
        Helen Assenza.

   (9)  Includes 55 Common Shares held of record by spouse, Susan M. Lodes.

   (10) Includes 400 Common Shares held jointly with spouse, Irene R.
        Price.



                                      3
<PAGE>   6




           THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION

     In 1995, there were a total of four regularly scheduled meetings
and one special meeting of the Board of Directors of United Bancorp, Inc.  Each
director of the Company attended in excess of 75% of the meetings of the Board
of Directors.  At year-end, all Company Board members except Mr. Arciello and
Mr. Hoopingarner also served on the Board of Directors of The Citizens Savings
Bank, Martins Ferry.   Mr. Arciello, Mr.  Everson and Mr. Hoopingarner also
served on the Board of Directors of The Citizens-State Bank of Strasburg.  Both
banks are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company and each meets monthly.  The
Company has a Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. Riesbeck, Chairman;
Arciello, Clark, Favede and Hoopingarner, and is responsible for the
administering the Company's employee benefit plans, setting the compensation of
the Subsidiary banks' Presidents and recommends compensation for other holding
company officers paid through the subsidiary banks,  reviewing the criteria that
form the basis for management's officer and employee compensation       
recommendations and reviewing management's recommendations in this regard.  The
Compensation Committee, which met five times during 1995,  meets on an as 
needed basis, and pays committee fees of $150.00 per meeting attended. Pursuant
to the Company's Stock Option Plan, all directors of the Company were awarded,
during 1995, an option to purchase 1,500 shares of the Company's common stock 
at $14.94 per share.

     The Company's lead bank, The Citizens Savings Bank, Martins Ferry,
Ohio, has the following committees of the Board of Directors: Executive,
Asset/Liability, Audit, and Development.  The Executive Committee consists of
Messrs. Everson, Chairman; Davison, Clark and Lash, and is responsible for loan
review, rate setting, compensation, management issues and asset/liability
management.  The Executive Committee, which met fifty times in 1995, meets on a
weekly basis, and pays committee fees of $450.00 per month to outside directors.
The Asset/Liability Committee consists of The Executive Committee and officers
Assenza, Blake, Dull, Holbrook and Lodes and is responsible for the pricing and
repricing of loan and depository products, budgetary matters, and manages the
assets, liabilities and profitability of the Company and its subsidiary banks. 
The Asset/Liability Committee met twelve times in 1995, meets on a monthly
basis, and does not pay committee fees to its members.  The Audit Committee
consists of Messrs. Thomas, Chairman; Borkoski and Riesbeck, and reviews the
audit plan with the Company's independent accountants, the scope and the results
of their audit engagement and the accompanying management letter; reviews the
scope and results of the Company's internal auditing procedures; consults with
independent accountants and management with regard to the Company's accounting
methods and the adequacy of its internal accounting controls; approves
professional services provided by the independent accountants; reviews the
independence of the of the independent accountants; and reviews the range of the
independent accountant's audit and non-audit fees.  The Audit Committee met four
times in 1995, and pays committee fees of $150.00 per meeting to outside
directors.  The Development Committee consists of the entire Board of Directors,
and is responsible for the investigation and evaluation of acquisition and
expansion opportunities.  The Development Committee, which met twelve times in
1995, meets on a monthly basis in conjunction with the monthly board meeting and
does not pay committee fees to its members.

     The Board of Directors of the Company as a whole functions as a
nominating committee to propose nominees for director to the Board of   
Directors. The Board of Directors will consider nominees recommended by
stockholders, although it has not actively solicited recommendations from
stockholders for nominees nor has it established any procedures for this purpose
other than as set forth in the Bylaws.  See "Shareholders' Proposals" for 1997
Annual Meeting below.

                                      4
<PAGE>   7

     The Company's subsidiary bank, The Citizens-State Bank of
Strasburg, Strasburg, Ohio, has the following committees of its Board of
Directors: Executive and Audit.  The Executive Committee consists of
Messrs. Arciello, Chairman; Hoopingarner and Price, and is responsible for loan
review, rate setting, compensation, management issues and asset/liability
management.  The Executive Committee met twelve times in 1995, and pays
Committee fees of $50.00 per meeting to outside directors.  The Audit Committee
consists of Messrs. Ley, Chairman; Herzig and Arciello, and is responsible for
overseeing the work of the Bank's internal and external auditors.  The Audit
Committee met four times in 1995, and pays Committee Fees of $50.00 per meeting
to outside directors.

     The Citizens Savings Bank of Martins Ferry pays each outside
director $450.00 per month regardless of the number of meetings attended.  The
Citizens-State Bank of Strasburg pays each outside director $350.00 per month
regardless of the number of meetings attended.


                     COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS 

     United Bancorp, Inc. did not incur any salary expenses nor does it provide
pensions, profit sharing plans, or other benefits to any of its officers.  All
such expenses are paid by United Bancorp, Inc.'s subsidiaries, The Citizens
Savings Bank of Martins Ferry and The Citizens-State Bank of Strasburg.  United
Bancorp, Inc. Directors are paid an annual retainer fee of $1,000.00 plus
$150.00 per meeting attended.

     The following sets forth the direct remuneration paid by the
Company's subsidiaries to the directors and officers whose total remuneration   
exceeded $100,000. The figures are Base Salaries  plus Incentive Compensation
earned in the current year and Other Annual Compensation which represents the
Company's matching 401(k) contribution:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
                             
                                                          
                                                                        
                                                                      
                                           Annual Compensation   
Name and                                ------------------------   Long Term  
Principal Position                Year   Salary    Bonus   Other  Compensation
- --------------------              ----  --------  -------  -----  -------------
                                                                   Securities
                                                                   Underlying
                                                                     Option
                                                                     Grants
                                                                
<S>                              <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>
James W. Everson                  1995  $135,000  $33,556  $1,875    25,000
President & CEO                   1994  $125,000  $30,665    -0-         -
The Citizens Savings Bank         1993  $115,000  $15,452    -0-         -
United Bancorp, Inc.

Harold W. Price                   1995   $85,000  $23,800  $1,295    10,000
President & CEO                   1994   $80,000  $15,464    -0-         -
The Citizens-State Bank           1993   $75,000  $11,813    -0-         -
Vice President - Administration
United Bancorp, Inc.
</TABLE>


                                      5
<PAGE>   8
1995 STOCK OPTION GRANTS TABLE

     The following table sets forth stock options granted to the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer and its Vice President-Administration,
during 1995, under the Company's Stock Option Plan.  Under Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations, companies are required to project an estimate
of appreciation of the underlying shares of stock during the option term. The
Company has chosen the "five percent/ten percent" formula approved by the SEC.
However, the ultimate value will depend on the market value of the Company's
stock at a future date, which may not correspond to the projections below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       
        
                                 Individual Grants                                                               
                         -----------------------------------                                                       
                                   % of Total                                        Potential Realizable Value                   
                                 Options Granted   Exercise                            at Assumed Annual Rates                    
                   Options        to Employees      Price(2)                         Of Stock Price Appreciation                  
    Name           Granted(1)        in 1995       Per Share    Expiration Date           for Option Term      
    ----           ----------    ---------------   ---------    ---------------      ---------------------------
                                                                                       5%              10% 
                                                                                     ------           -----
<S>              <C>                 <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>           
James W. Everson     25,000            50%           $14.94         11/21/05        $234,892         $595,263               
                                                                                                                     
Harold W. Price      10,000            10%           $14.94         11/21/05         $93,957         $238,105                      
</TABLE>


(1)     Options granted in 1995 are nonqualified stock options, which are first
        exercisable after by Mr. Everson and Mr. Price February 21, 2005, except
        in the event certain financial performance criteria are met, in which
        case such options may become exercisable in installments, 40% in 1998,
        20% in 1999 and the balance in 2000. All options become immediately
        exercisable in the event of a change in control of the Company. These
        options were granted for a term of 10 years, subject to earlier
        termination in certain events related to termination of employment.

(2)     Exercise price is the fair market value on the date of grant.


1995 STOCK OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE

     The following table sets forth the number and value of all unexercised
stock options held by Executive Officers at year end. The value of
"in-the-money" options refers to options having an exercise price which is less
than the market price of the Company's stock on December 31, 1995. On that date,
the Company's named Executive Officers held exercisable options which were
"in-the-money" as discussed in the following table. In addition, the table sets
forth the number of options exercised by each of the named Executive Officers
during 1995 and indicates the amount of value realized upon such exercise.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Number (#) of       Value ($) of            
                                                                    Unexercised         Unexercised
                                                                      Options-            Options-
                                                                       12/31/95         12/31/95(1)
                            Shares Acquired      Net Value($)        Exercisable/       Exercisable/
Name                           on Exercise        Realized           Unexercisable      Unexercisable
- ----                        ---------------      ------------       ---------------     -------------
<S>                              <C>             <C>                   <C>                <C>
James W. Everson                   0                $0                    0/               $0/
                                                                          25,000           $0

Harold W. Price                    0                $0                    0/               $0/
                                                                          10,000           $0
</TABLE>

(1) Represents estimated market value of the Company's common stock at December
    31, 1995, less the exercise price.  Because the Market Value of the 
    Company's common stock was less than the exercise price as of such date, 
    the value indicated is zero.

                                       6

<PAGE>   9
                      REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

     Under rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"), the Company is required to provide certain data and information in
regard to the compensation and benefits provided to the Company's President and
Chief Executive Officer and, if applicable, the four other most highly
compensated executive officers, whose compensation exceeded $100,000 during the
Company's fiscal year.  The disclosure requirements, as applied to the Company,
include the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer (Mr. James W.
Everson) and the Company's Vice President-Administration (Mr. Harold W. Price)
and includes the use of tables and a report explaining the rationale and
considerations that led to fundamental executive compensation decisions
affecting Mr. Everson and Mr. Price. The Compensation Committee (the
"Committee") has the responsibility of determining the compensation policy and
practices with respect to all of the Company's Executive Officers.  At the
direction of the Board of Directors, the Committee has prepared the following
report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement.

     COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY.  This report reflects the Company's compensation
philosophy as endorsed by the Committee.  The Committee determines the level of
compensation for all other executive officers within the constraints of the
amounts approved by the Board.

     Essentially, the executive compensation program of the Company has been
designed to:

     -  Support a pay-for-performance policy that awards executive officers for
        corporate performance.
     -  Motivate key senior officers to achieve strategic business goals.
     -  Provide compensation opportunities which are comparable to
        those officers by other peer group companies, thus allowing the
        Company to compete for and retain talented executives who are
        critical to the Company's long-term success.


     SALARIES.  The Committee increased the base salary paid to Mr. Everson by
7.4% to $145,000 effective January 1, 1996 and the base salary paid to Mr.
Price by 17.6% to $100,000 effective January 1, 1996.   On the basis of
information provided by Ben S. Cole Financial Incorporated, an independent
outside consultant of Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Everson's salary and Mr.
Price's salary were assessed as being somewhat below the level in organizations
of comparable size and performance to United Bancorp, Inc.  This increase also
reflects recognition of improvement of 1995 earnings over 1994 and their
implementation of operating efficiencies during the year. In addition the
Committee approved compensation increases for all other executive officers of
the Company.  The Board of Directors of the Company approved all of such
increases upon recommendation of the Committee.  Executive Officers salary
increase determinations are based upon performance appraisals of such executive
which reviews, among other things, the performance of executives against goals
set in the prior year, extraordinary service and promotions within the
organization.

     INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. Officers of United Bancorp, Inc. named above are
participants in the following described plan of The Citizens Savings Bank,
Martins Ferry, Ohio, and The Citizens-State Bank of Strasburg, wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the Company.

     The Banks' Incentive Compensation Plans provide the opportunity to earn a
percentage of salary based on achievement of predetermined goals established by
each Board of Directors.  The type and relative weighting of goals may change
from year to year.  For 1995 the incentive amounts distributed were determined
by achievement against specific asset growth, return on assets, return on
equity and loan to asset ratio targets.  In addition, participants other than
the CEO's  have a portion of their incentives determined by goals for their
areas of responsibility.  Eligibility and allocation of incentive awards for
all participants are determined by the Compensation Committee.


                                      7
<PAGE>   10

     The above officers of the Company received the following amounts, which
are included in the above tables, under Bonus earned based on 1995 performance
of The Citizens Savings Bank:  $33,556.00 to Mr. Everson and on 1995
performance of The Citizens-State Bank: $23,800.00 to Mr. Price.  Additionally,
Mr.  Everson had personal use of a company vehicle valued for 1995 at $2,152.00
and a club membership valued at $967.00.  Mr. Price had personal use of a 
company vehicle value for 1995 at $959.00 and a club membership valued at 
$543.00.

        LONG-TERM COMPENSATION.  Long term incentive compensation is
addressed by the Company's Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Plan was
designed to provide long-term incentive to the executive officers and
directors of the Company, and to better align the interest of management with
those of the Company's shareholders. The Board generally believes that stock
options provide an effective means of accomplishing its long-term compensation
objectives, as the level of compensation is directly proportional to the level
of appreciation in the market value of the Company's common stock subsequent
to the date of the option grant.

This Report on Compensation is submitted by the Compensation Committee Members:
     Richard L. Riesbeck., Chairman
     Michael J. Arciello
     John H. Clark, Jr.
     Dr. Leon F. Favede, O.D.
     John M. Hoopingarner


PERFORMANCE GRAPH - Five -Year Shareholder Return Comparison

     The SEC requires that the Company include in this Proxy Statement a
line-graph presentation comparing cumulative, five-year shareholder returns on
an indexed basis with a broad equity market index and either a nationally
recognized industry standard or an index of peer companies selected by the
Company.  The Company has chosen SNL Securities, a research and publishing firm
specializing in the collection and dissemination of data on the banking, thrift
and financial services industries for the purpose for this performance
comparison which includes the SNL-Midwestern Bank Index, All Bank Index and
Nasdaq Total Return Index.  Each index is weighted for all companies that fit
the criteria of that particular index and assumes dividends are received in
cash and reinvested to purchase additional shares.  The following chart
measures $100 invested December 31, 1990 in the Company's common stock and each
index, measured over five years.

                              UNITED BANCORP, INC.

                            STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE



                           ------GRAPH---------------


                                 Period Ending

<TABLE>
<Caption
                      12/31/90  12/31/91  12/31/92  12/31/93  12/31/94  12/31/95
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
All Banks              100.00    163.31    222.62    244.13    238.51    372.68
SNL-Midwestern Banks   100.00    173.52    224.17    234.34    225.64    333.95
Nasdaq Total Return    100.00    160.56    186.86    214.51    209.68    296.30
United Bancorp-OH      100.00    107.70    123.08    283.79    325.77    252.68

</TABLE>

                                  PENSION PLAN

     United Bancorp, Inc. does not have any compensated employees; however, it
does maintain a Pension Plan for the employees of its subsidiary banks'  with
each bank contributing its share of the cost in annual contribution to the
Pension Plan.

     United Bancorp, Inc. of Martins Ferry, Ohio and its subsidiary Banks
Employees' Retirement Plan (the Plan) is a Defined Benefit Plan for all
eligible full time employees.  It may provide monthly benefits commencing as
early as age 50, but not later than age 70, for employees who terminate or
retire with 5 or more years of credited service.

     Benefits at retirement or vested termination are based on all the years
credited service, and the average of the highest five consecutive years.  The
Plan is integrated with social security covered compensation.

     The table below sets forth retirement benefits at various levels of
compensation and years of service based upon retirement at age 65.  For this
table, benefits are payable to the participant for life and are based on  1995
terms and factors.



                                      8
<PAGE>   11

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                             UNITED BANCORP, INC.

                       BENEFIT TABLE FOR A PARTICIPANT
                           ATTAINING AGE 65 IN 1996

                                            Years of Service
                      ---------------------------------------------------------
   AVERAGE
ANNUAL SALARY             10       15       20       25       30     35 OR MORE
- -------------          -------  -------  -------  -------  -------   ----------
<S>                   <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
    $150,000           $24,565  $36,848  $49,130  $61,413  $73,696     $85,978
    $125,000           $20,190  $30,285  $40,380  $50,476  $60,571     $70,666
    $100,000           $15,815  $23,723  $31,630  $39,538  $47,446     $55,353
     $75,000           $11,440  $17,160  $22,830  $28,601  $34,321     $40,041
     $50,000            $7,065  $10,598  $14,130  $17,663  $21,196     $24,728
     $25,000            $2,750   $4,125   $2,220   $2,750   $3,300     $13,850
     $10,000            $1,100   $1,650   $2,200   $2,750   $3,300      $3,850

</TABLE>

     The above officers of the Company will have the following years of
estimated credited service at retirement:  Mr. Everson 42 years; Mr. Price 17
years.

                          SPECIAL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

     The Company has entered into a Special Severance Agreement ("Agreement")
with Mr. Everson and Mr. Price, its President and Chief Executive Officer and
its Vice President - Administration, respectively and other key holding company
officers.  The Agreement provides that Mr. Everson and Mr. Price shall be
entitled to a lump sum severance benefit in the event of Mr. Everson's and Mr.
Price's termination of employment (other than for cause) following a Change of
Control and involuntary termination of employment.  A Change of Control is
defined to include merger or other acquisition of the Company and certain other
changes in the voting control of the Company.  In the event of a Change of
Control and the involuntary termination of his employment, the Agreement
requires that Mr. Everson receive 2.99 times annual compensation and Mr. Price
to receive 2.0 times annual compensation, in a lump sum cash payment, at that
level in effect immediately prior to such Change of Control.  The Agreement has
a term of 1 year and is automatically extended for one additional year unless,
not later than June 30th of the preceding year the Company gives notice of
termination of the agreement.  The rights of the Company to choose to employ or
terminate Mr. Everson and Mr. Price prior to a Change of Control are not
affected by this Agreement.  In the event a Change of Control had occurred on
January 1, 1996, and Mr. Everson's and Mr. Price's employment had been
involuntarily terminated on such date (other than for cause), Mr. Everson and
Mr. Price would have been entitled (subject to certain immaterial modifications
provided by the Agreement which may lower the amount), to receive a lump sum
severance benefits of $503,982 and $217,600 respectively.  In the event a
potential Change of Control is announced, both executives agree to remain in
the employment of the Company for not less than one (1) year following the
initial occurrence of such a potential change in Control of the Company.


   PROPOSAL NO. 2 FOR ADOPTION OF THE UNITED BANCORP, INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN

     The Board of Directors of the Company is proposing that the shareholders
of the Company approve a Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), the general terms of
which are summarized below.  This summary is qualified in its entirety by, and
reference is made to, the full text of the Plan which is attached to this Proxy
Statement as Exhibit A.  Shareholders are strongly urged to read the Plan in
its entirety.  The Board of Directors of the Company is proposing the adoption
of the Plan under which certain key employees and directors of the Company
would be eligible to receive Options to purchase a certain number of shares of
the Company's Common Stock (the "Stock"), subject to certain conditions.  The
purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the Company by giving key
employees and directors of the Company additional incentive to promote the
success of the Company and to remain in the Company's service.  It is believed
this can be accomplished by providing such persons the opportunity to acquire
additional equity interest in the Company and therefore further aligning their
interest with that of other shareholders.  In addition the Plan will enable the
Company to offer an attractive incentive compensation program to key employees
of prospective acquisition candidates.  The Company believes that this is an
important tool to promoting its long-term growth.

     Under the Plan, officers and other executive, supervisory and management
employees of the Company, who, in the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors, have substantial responsibility for the direction and management of
the Company and/or are in a position to materially contribute to the Company's
continued growth, development and long-term success ("Key Employees"), may,
from time to time, be granted options ("Options") to purchase a given amount of
shares of the Company's Stock, subject to certain terms and conditions.  In
addition, each present and 


                                      9
<PAGE>   12

future director of the Company will receive a one-time, nonqualified option
grant under the Plan for 1,500 shares of the Company's common stock.

     The Plan contemplates the award of both qualified stock options under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (hereinafter ISOs) as well as
nonqualified stock options (NQSOs).  The classification of an option as an ISO
provides certain tax benefits to the Key Employee, most notable a deferral of
taxation from the date of exercise (when nonqualified options would ordinarily
be taxable) to the date of sale of the underlying shares acquired by the
exercise of such Option.  When exercised, the holder of an ISO recognizes no
taxable income and the Company can claim no deduction.  NQSOs are options which
do not receive a special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.  When
exercised, the holder of an NQSO recognizes taxable income on the difference
between the price paid for the option shares pursuant to the option and the fair
market value of the shares purchased pursuant to the option on the date of
exercise.  When exercised, the holder of a NQSO recognizes taxable income and
the Company can claim a deduction.

     The term of the Plan would run for a  period of ten (10) years (the "Plan
Period") beginning on the date of approval of the Plan by the Board of
Directors (the "Effective Date").  All Options granted under the Plan will be
required to be exercised within ten (10) years of the date granted.

     The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company shall
have full authority and sole discretion with respect to administration of the
Plan.  In this regard, the Compensation Committee will have sole discretion as
to; (a) the persons to whom Options will be granted, when such options shall be
granted, and the number of shares and terms with respect to each option, (b)
prescribe rules and regulations for administering the Plan, and (c) decide any
questions arising as to the interpretations or application of any provision
under this Plan.

        Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant options on up to
five percent (5%) of the Company's outstanding shares of which ninety thousand
(90,000) shares are available to be optioned as ISOs under the Plan.  The price
to be paid under the Plan is the fair  market value per share of the Company's
common stock on the date the Option is granted.  No Option shall be exercisable
after the expiration of ten years after the date of grant of such option.  ISOs
granted to a person who owns greater than 10 percent of the shares of the
Company must be granted at a price equal to 110% of the fair market value per
share of the Company's common stock on the date the Option is granted and must
be exercised within 5 years of the date of such grant.  No person presently
owns 10% of the Company's shares. These stock Options are not transferable
other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  In addition,
the Plan contains a limitation which provides that the aggregate fair market
value, as determined at the time of such grant of Option, for which ISOs are
exercisable for the first time under the terms of the Plan, by the employee
during any calendar year, cannot exceed $100,000.

     Except in certain limited circumstances set for in the Plan, grantees of
ISOs must be employees of the Company at the time of exercise of any Options,
and all Options not exercised at the time that any such grantee ceases to be an
employee of the Company, shall be canceled and the shares subject to such
Options shall be made available to again be optioned under the Plan.

     Further, any person eligible for participation in the Plan,
notwithstanding such status, will not acquire any rights, as a result of such
eligibility, to retain their employee status with the Company for any specific
period of time.

     All persons to which Options are granted under the Plan will be given
written notice of such grant and will be required to execute a separate Stock
Option Agreement with the Company before such Options will take effect.  In
order to exercise the Options, the grantee will be required to provide a
written Notice of Exercise to the Company accompanied by full payment for the
shares being acquired.  No grantee will acquire any shareholder rights with
respect to the shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of such Options until
the Company has issued a certificate or certificates evidencing those shares to
the exercising Option holder.

     Options granted under the Plan are intended to qualify for exemptive
relief from the short-swing profit recapture provisions of Section 16(b) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, pursuant to Rule 16b-3 of the Securities
and Exchange Commission.


                                      11
<PAGE>   13


     In the event shareholders fail to approve the Plan, the Plan will be
automatically terminated and the options granted pursuant to it will be void.

 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY UNAMIOUSLY RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF
          THE PROPOSAL FOR THE UNITED BANCORP INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN

                       INTEREST IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

     Some of the directors and officers of United Bancorp, Inc., and the
companies with which they are associated, were customers of The Citizens Savings
Bank of Martins Ferry and The Citizens-State Bank of Strasburg, and had banking
transactions with the banks in the ordinary course of business during 1995, and
expect to have such banking transactions in the future.  All loans and
commitments for loans included in such transactions were made on substantially
the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at
the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and in the opinion of
the management of the banks, did not involve more than normal risk of
collectibility, or present other unfavorable features.  The aggregate amount of
such loans outstanding at December 31, 1995, was $2,972,508 or 16.11% of the
Company's consolidated equity at year-end.

                        COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent
of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by
SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.

     Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations that no Form 5's were required, the
Company believes that during 1995, all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10 percent beneficial
owners were complied with by such persons.

                               AUTHORIZED SHARES

     The Company was incorporated in 1983 with 500,000 authorized shares
and issued 220,000 shares in connection with the reorganization with The
Citizens Savings Bank.  The authorized shares were increased to 2,000,000 by
shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting held in 1988 and to 10,000,000 by
shareholder approval at the Annual meeting held in 1994.  Through a 50% share
dividend paid in October 1987, the sale of 90,000 new shares in November of
1987, two 100% share dividends paid in October 1992 and December 1993 and a 10%
share dividend paid in 1994, the Company now has a total of 1,847,942 common
shares outstanding of 10,000,000 shares authorized.  The Company has one class
of authorized capital stock which is its $1.00 par value common shares.  Each
outstanding share is entitled to one vote on all matters to come before the
stockholders.  In certain business combinations transactions which are not
approved by the Company's Board of Directors, the affirmative vote of 75% of the
outstanding shares is required for approval.  Holders of the Company's common
shares are not entitled to preemptive rights upon the issuance of shares by the
Company.  In the event the Company issues additional shares (other than as a
share dividend on a pro rate basis to all shareholders), shareholders will
experience voting dilution in their ownership positions.


                                      11
<PAGE>   14


                                    AUDITORS

     The Board of Directors has approved and recommends to the
shareholders the re-appointment of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP, certified 
public accountants, as the Company's external auditors.

     Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP is a regional certified public accounting
and management consulting firm formed in 1942, which serves clients primarily in
Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.  Offices of the firm are located
in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; South Bend, Indianapolis, Elkhart and
Merrillville, Indiana; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Oak Brook, Illinois; Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida; and London, England.  The professional staff of the firm
consists of 86 partners and over 850 employees.  Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
has become the nation's 10th largest certified public accounting firm, and is
committed to serving the banking industry with one-third of their business
related to financial institutions.

     A representative of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP will be present
at the annual meeting and will be available to respond to questions, and will
be given an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THE
ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSAL TO RE-APPOINT CROWE, CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLP AS
EXTERNAL AUDITOR OF THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARY BANKS.

                            SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS

     Proposals of shareholders which are to be presented at the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company must be received by the Company no later
than December 31, 1996, for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and
form of proxy relating to such meeting. Proposals should be sent by certified
mail, return receipt requested, to James W. Everson, President and Chief
Executive Officer, United Bancorp, Inc., 4th at Hickory Street, Martins Ferry,
Ohio 43935.

                                 OTHER BUSINESS

     The management at present knows of no other business to be brought
before the meeting.  If any other business is presented at such meeting, the
proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of
Directors.  A copy of the Company's 1995 financial report filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, on Form 10-K, will be available without
charge to shareholders upon request.  Address all requests, in writing, for this
document to Ronald S.  Blake, Treasurer, United Bancorp, Inc., 4th at Hickory
Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935.


                                      By order of the Board of Directors


                                      James W. Everson
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      Martins Ferry, Ohio
                                      March 20, 1996



     WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY FORM AS PROMPTLY
AS POSSIBLE WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. IF YOU
DO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY THEN WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY.


                                      12
<PAGE>   15


                                   EXHIBIT A
                     UNITED BANCORP, INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN

   1.   Purpose.  The purpose of this Plan is to promote the interests of
        United Bancorp, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Company") and its
        shareholders by providing a method whereby key employees and Directors
        of the Company or its subsidiary corporations may be encouraged to
        invest in the Company's common stock by means of "incentive" stock
        options" (ISO) as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
        of 1986 (hereinafter, together with all amendments thereto from time to
        time in effect, called the "Code") and nonqualified stock options
        (NQSO) and thereby increase their proprietary interest in the Company's
        business, encourage them to remain in the employ of the Company,
        increase their personal interest in its continued success and progress,
        and reward them for contributions to stockholder value.

   2.   Administration.

        (a)  The Compensation Committee (hereinafter called the
             "Committee") appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company
             (hereinafter called the "Board") is to consist of not less than
             three non-employee Directors of the Company.  Subject to the
             express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall select the
             individuals to be granted options, determine the number and
             option price of the shares subject to each option, and determine
             the time or times when each option shall be granted and within
             which it may be exercised and the form and content of the option
             agreements including, but not limited to, such terms, conditions
             and limitations as the Committee may deem to be required by
             applicable law.  The Committee shall have full power and authority,
             subject to such orders or resolutions not inconsistent with the
             provisions of the Plan as may from time to time be issued or
             adopted by the Board, to interpret the provisions of and administer
             the Plan.  All decisions of the Committee hereunder shall be either
             by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the
             Committee at a meeting called for such purpose or by a writing
             signed by all of the members of the Committee.  Subject to any
             applicable provisions of the Company's bylaws, all such decisions
             shall be final and binding on all persons including the Company,
             its shareholders, employees and optionees.

        (b)  Each option shall be evidenced by an option agreement which
             shall be signed by an officer of the Company and the employee or
             Director optionee.

   3.   Eligibility.  The individuals who shall be eligible to participate
        in the Plan and receive options shall consist of salaried officers and
        other key employees (whether or not directors) of the Company or its
        "parent or subsidiary company" (as those items are defined in Section
        424 of the Code) as shall be selected by the Committee.

   In addition, each current or future non-employee Director of the
Company will receive a one-time, nonqualified option grant under the Plan.

   More than one option may be granted to the same employee.  Any incentive
stock option granted under this Plan to an employee who, at the time of such
grant, owns (actually or constructively) more than ten percent (10%) of
the Company's voting stock shall be granted at an option of 110% fair market
value and not be exercisable for longer than five (5) years from the date of
grant.

   4.   Shares Subject to the Plan.  The shares subject to the options
        granted under this Plan shall be authorized but unissued shares, or
        treasury shares, of the Company's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
        share.  The total amount of such Common Stock which may be outstanding
        under options granted under this Plan shall not exceed, in the ninety
        thousand (90,000) aggregate, 5% of the total number of shares of Common
        Stock outstanding at the time of the grant.  If an option ceases to be
        exercisable in whole or in part, the shares subject to but not issued
        under such


                                     A-1
<PAGE>   16

        option shall be available for the grant of other options.
        Notwithstanding the forgoing, the total number of incentive stock
        options, (as defined by the Code), issuable under the plan shall be
        ninety thousand (90,000) shares, subject to upward adjustment, as 
        provided by paragraph 10 hereof.

   5.   Option Price.  The purchase price of the shares subject to each
        option shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than
        one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value of the shares at
        the time of the granting of the option.  Fair market value means, on
        any given date, the average of the bid and ask price on such date as
        reported on the NASDAQ, or such other good faith methods as the
        Committee may determine.  The purchase price of each share shall, at
        the time of exercise of any option, be paid in full in cash, or with
        previously acquired shares of the Company's common stock having an
        aggregate fair market value at such time equal to the purchase price,
        or in cash and such shares.  Notwithstanding the above, in connection
        with the exercise of an incentive stock option, payment with shares of
        the Company's common stock which constitute "statutory option stock"
        (as defined in Code Section 424(c) (3) (B)) and which were previously
        acquired by the optionee by exercise of options granted under an option
        plan maintained by the Company shall be permitted only if the date of
        such payment is at least two (2) years from the date of grant of the
        options under the option plan and such shares were held by the optionee
        for at least one (1) year.

   A certificate or certificates representing the shares so purchased shall be
delivered to the person entitled thereto.

   6.   Term of Plan.  This Plan shall terminate ten (10) years after the
        date of its approval by the shareholders of the Company or its adoption
        by the Board, whichever date is earlier, or upon any earlier
        termination date established by action of the Board, and no option
        shall be granted thereafter.  Such termination shall not affect the
        validity of any stock option then outstanding.

   7.   Exercise of Option.

        (a)  Each option granted under this Plan and intended as an
             incentive stock option may be exercised only during the
             continuation of the optionee's employment with the Company or any
             "parent or subsidiary company" (as those terms are herein  
             defined), except in the case of his death, retirement or
             termination of employment as hereinafter provided.  No more than
             $100,000 of incentive stock options may become exercisable in one
             year.  The exercise of an option which is not an incentive stock
             option shall not affect the exercise of any incentive stock 
             option. The Committee may, in its discretion, provide that an 
             option may not be exercised in whole or in part for any period or
             periods of time specified by the Committee, and may establish
             performance goals or other factors, the achievement of     
             which can  accelerate the exercisability of an option. Except as
             may be so provided, any option may be exercised in whole at any
             time, or in part from time to time, during its term, but no
             incentive or nonqualified option shall be exercisable in whole or
             in part after ten (10) years from the date it is granted.

        (b)  Shares delivered upon exercise of an option will be registered as
             appropriate under the Securities Act of 1933 or, if not so
             registered, applicable investment representations will be required
             as a condition of exercise.

        (c)  The Company shall require withholding tax payment in cash, in
             deposit in value of shares previously owned, or through the
             appropriate reduction in shares of stock to be delivered upon
             exercise of the option.

   8.   Non-Transferability of Option.  Each option granted under this Plan
        shall by its terms be non-transferable by the optionee other than by
        will or the laws of descent and distribution and, during the lifetime
        of the optionee, be exercisable only by him.

   9.   Death, Retirement and Termination of Employment.  Subject to the
        condition that no such option intended as an incentive stock option may
        be exercised in whole or in part after ten (10) years from the date it
        is granted:

 
                                     A-2
<PAGE>   17



      (a)  upon the death or disability (within the meaning of Code
           Section 22(e) (3)) of any employee optionee either prior to such a
           termination of employment or within the three (3) month period
           referred to in (b) below, such optionee or the optionee's estate (or
           the person or persons to whom such optionee's rights under the
           option are transferred by will or the laws of descent and
           distribution) may, within twelve (12) months after the date of such
           optionee's death or disability, exercise such option in whole or in
           part, except that an incentive stock option may not be exercised
           beyond three (3) months after the date of disability.

      (b)  upon such a termination of employment other than by reason of
           death or disability (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e) (3)),
           the optionee may, within three (3) months after the date of such
           termination, exercise such option in whole or in part to the extent
           it was exercisable at the date of termination.

10.   Adjustment of Shares Subject to Option and Option Price.

      (a)  Subject to any required action by the Company's shareholders,
           the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $1.00
           per share, subject to each outstanding option, and the purchase
           price per share thereof in each such option, shall be
           proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number
           of issued shares of such Common Stock resulting from a subdivision
           or consolidation of shares or the payment of stock dividend (but
           only on such Common Stock) or any other increase or decrease in the
           number of such shares effected without receipt of full consideration
           by the Company.

      (b)  Subject to any required action by the Company's shareholders,
           the aggregate number of shares of the Company's Common Stock, par
           value $1.00 per share, subject to this Plan shall be proportionately
           increased, if appropriate, to reflect a change in the Company's
           capitalization such as a stock dividend or stock split-up.

      (c)  Subject to any required action by the Company's shareholders,
           if the Company shall be the surviving company in any reorganization
           or consolidation, each outstanding option shall pertain to and apply
           to the securities to which a holder of the number of shares of the
           Company's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, subject to the
           option would have been entitled as a result of such reorganization
           or consolidation.

      (d)  In the event of a change in the Company's Common Stock, par
           value $1.00 per share, as presently constituted, which is limited to
           a change of all of its authorized shares with par value into the
           same number of shares with a different value or without par value,
           the shares resulting from any such change shall be deemed to be the
           Common Stock subject to the Plan.

      (e)  To the extent that the foregoing adjustments relate to stock
           or securities of the Company, such adjustments shall be made by the
           Board whose determination in that respect, including any
           determination of the value of consideration received for shares,
           shall be final, binding and conclusive, provided that no incentive
           stock option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be adjusted in a
           manner that causes the option to fail to continue to qualify as an
           incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the
           Code.

11.   Rights as Shareholder.  An optionee shall have no rights as a
      shareholder with respect to shares subject to his option until such shares
      are issued to him and are fully paid, and no adjustment will be made for  
      dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior thereto.

12.   Amendments and Discontinuance.  The Board may amend, suspend or
      discontinue the Plan, but may not, without the prior approval of the
      Company's shareholders, make any amendment which operates: (a) to abolish
      the Committee, change the qualification of its members or withdraw its
      authority to interpret or administer the Plan; (b) to make any material
      change in the class of eligible employees under the Plan; (c) to increase
      the total number of shares for which options may be granted under the
      Plan except as permitted by 


                                     A-3
<PAGE>   18


      the provisions of paragraph 10 hereof; (d) to extend the term of the 
      Plan or the maximum option period; (e) to decrease the minimum option 
      price; or (f) to permit adjustments or reductions of the price at which 
      shares may be purchased under any option granted under the Plan except 
      as permitted by the provisions of paragraph 10 hereof.

13.   Continuance of Employment.  Neither the Plan nor the granting of
      any option hereunder shall impose any obligation to continue the  
      employment of any optionee.

14.   Change of Control.  Upon a change of control, as herein defined, an
      outstanding option will become fully exercisable.

      Change in control means:

      (i)  The acquisition, other than from the Company, by any
           individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d) (3)
           or 14(d) (2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), of
           beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated
           under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of 30% or more of either
           the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the
           combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of
           the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,
           but excluding for this purpose, any such acquisition by the Company
           or any of its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan (or related
           trust) of the Company or its subsidiaries, or any company with
           respect to which, following such acquisition, more than 50% of,
           respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such
           company and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
           securities of such company entitled to vote generally in the
           election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or
           indirectly, by the individuals and entities who were the beneficial
           owners, respectively of the common stock and voting securities of
           the Company immediately prior to such acquisition in substantially
           the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such
           acquisition, of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the
           Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
           securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election
           of directors, as the case may be; or

      (ii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board
           (as of the date hereof the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason
           to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any
           individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose
           election or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders
           was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then
           comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such
           individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for
           this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office
           is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest
           relating to the election of the Directors of the Company (as such
           terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under
           the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

15.   Effective Date.  The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by 
      the Board of Directors of the Company and options may be granted under the
      Plan from and after the date of such adoption; provided, however, that
      if within twelve (12) months prior to or after such date the shareholders
      of the Company have not approved the Plan, the Plan shall terminate and
      all options theretofore granted shall terminate and cease to be of any
      force or effect.


                                     A-4
<PAGE>   19


                              UNITED BANCORP, INC.
                           Martins Ferry, Ohio  43935
                                    -PROXY-

                    PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                           TO BE HELD APRIL 17, 1996
                       PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Shareholder or Shareholders
of United Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), Martins Ferry, Ohio, do hereby
nominate, constitute and appoint John H. Clark, Jr.,  Donald A. Davison, and
James W. Everson or any one of them (with substitution, for me or our stock and
in my or our name, place and stead) to vote all the common stock of said
Company standing in my or our name, on its books on March  10, 1996, at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the main office of the Company,
Fourth at Hickory Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio, on Wednesday, April 17, 1996, at
2:00 o'clock p.m., or any adjournment thereof with all the powers  the
undersigned would possess if personally present.  The shares will be voted in
accordance with my specifications, as follows:

1.   To fix the number of Directors at a minimum of nine  (9) and a maximum of
     thirteen  (13) and to elect three  (3) Directors to Class III of the Board
     of Directors, specifically,


               Michael J. Arciello            Vice President - Finance
                                              Nickles Bakeries

               John H. Clark, Jr.             Retired Foundry Owner

               Dr. Leon F. Favede, O.D.       Optometrist


     to serve as Directors of Class I until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders  
     in 1999, and until their successors are duly elected  and shall have
     qualified.

           For         Withhold Authority to vote for all nominees
               -----                                                -----

    (TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE NOMINEES,
                      STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THEIR NAME)

2.   To ratify and approve the United Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan as
     proposed in the Proxy Statement.

                     For         Against        Abstain
                         -----           -----          -----

3.   To ratify and approve the appointment of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
     independent certified public accountants, to serve as the Company's
     external auditor for fiscal year 1996.

                     For         Against        Abstain
                         -----           -----          -----

4.   To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
     or any adjournment thereof.

                     For         Against        Abstain
                         -----           -----          -----

      This Proxy confers authority to vote "FOR" each proposition listed above
      unless "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" is indicated.
      (IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT SAID MEETING, THE PROXY SHALL BE
      VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.)

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE
      LISTED PROPOSITIONS.  (THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
      DIRECTORS AND MAY BE REVOKED PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE.)


                                      Dated
                                            ---------------------------------

                                      ---------------------------------------
                                              signature of shareholder

                                      ---------------------------------------
                                              signature of shareholder

                                      When signing as attorney, executor,       
                                      administrator, trustee or guardian,
                                      please give full title.  If more than one
                                      trustee, all should sign. ALL JOINT
                                      OWNERS MUST SIGN.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY NOW.  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE RECEIVE YOUR
VOTE, AS PASSAGE OF EACH OF THE  PROPOSALS REQUIRES THE FAVORABLE VOTE OF A
MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES.




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