<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-24.C
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>dex24c.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
<TEXT>
<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 24(c)

                                  Exhibit 24(c)

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-32522) pertaining to the United Bankshares, Inc. Savings and Stock
Investment Plan of our report dated June 24, 2002, with respect to the financial
statements and supplemental schedules of the United Bankshares, Inc. Savings and
Stock Investment Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2001.


                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Charleston, West Virginia
June 28, 2002

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>