As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 1998

                       Registration Statement No. 33-__________

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                               Washington, D.C.  20549

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

                                       FORM S-4

                                REGISTRATION STATEMENT

                                        UNDER

                              THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                             FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
                (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             INDIANA                                   35-1544218
(State or other jurisdiction                        (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)

                                        6712
              (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

                              200 East Jackson Street
                               Muncie, Indiana  47305
                                   (765) 747-1500
      (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                    of registrant's principal executive offices)

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

     Larry R. Helms                             With a copy to:
     Senior Vice President                          David R. Prechtel, Esq.
     First Merchants Corporation                    Bingham Summers Welsh &
     200 East Jackson Street                                   Spilman
     Muncie, Indiana 47305                          2700 Market Tower
     (765) 747-1530                                 10 West Market Street
                                                    Indianapolis, Indiana  46204
                                                    (317) 635-8900

     (Name, address, including zip code,
     and telephone number, including area
     code, of agent for service)

     Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale of the securities to
the public:  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
Registration Statement and the effective time of the merger described in the
accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

     If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box.    /  /

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.   /  /

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.   /  /

                          CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title of each class               Amount                Proposed                  Proposed               Amount of
of securities                     to be              maximum offering          maximum aggregate        registration
to be registered               registered(1)         price per unit(2)         offering price (2)           fee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
Common Stock,                   Up to
 no par value                 1,098,837 shares            $13.240748               $14,549,424          $4,292.08

(1)  This represents the maximum number of shares to be offered to Jay Financial
     Corporation shareholders.

(2)  The maximum offering price is based on an estimate solely for the purpose
     of calculating the registration fee and has been calculated in accordance
     with Rule 457 (f)(2) on the basis of the book value on November 30, 1998 of
     the shares of common stock of Jay Financial Corporation to be cancelled in
     connection with the merger.

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

The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                112 WEST MAIN STREET
                                   P.O. BOX 1089
                              PORTLAND, INDIANA 47371

                            NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF
                              SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD
                               _______________, 1999

     Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the call of the Board of
Directors, a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of Jay Financial Corporation,
will be held on ________________ ___, 1999, at _______ p.m. local time, at the
main office of The First National Bank of Portland  located at 112 West Main
Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.

     The purposes of the Special Meeting are:

     1.   To consider and vote upon the transactions contemplated by the
Agreement of Reorganization and Merger dated August 20, 1998, between First
Merchants Corporation and Jay Financial Corporation.  Pursuant to the Agreement,
Jay Financial Corporation will be merged into First Merchants Corporation and
The First National Bank of Portland will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
First Merchants Corporation.  The merger is more fully described in the
accompanying Proxy Statement-Prospectus; and

     2.   To transact such other business as may properly be presented at the
Special Meeting.

     Holders of Class A and Class B common stock of record at the close of
business on ______________ ___, 1999, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof.  Holders of Class A and
Class B common stock shall vote as one group and no distinction shall be drawn
between Class A and Class B shares.

     Shareholders of Jay Financial Corporation are entitled to assert
dissenters' rights of appraisal in connection with the proposed merger under
Chapter 44 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law, a copy of which is attached
as Appendix B to the accompanying Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

     WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE
COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.  IF YOU
ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU WISH, EVEN IF YOU HAVE
PREVIOUSLY RETURNED YOUR PROXY CARD.

                                   By Order of the Board of Directors

                                   Barry J. Hudson, Chairman of the Board

__________, 1999
Portland, Indiana

                PROSPECTUS OF FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FOR UP TO
                          1,098,837 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                        AND
                    PROXY STATEMENT OF JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
        FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD __________, 1999

     The Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation ("FIRST MERCHANTS")
and Jay Financial Corporation ("JAY FINANCIAL") have agreed to merge Jay
Financial with and into First Merchants.  This Proxy Statement-Prospectus serves
as a Prospectus with respect to a maximum of  1,098,837 shares of First
Merchants common stock being offered to shareholders of Jay Financial in
connection with the proposed merger.  This Proxy Statement-Prospectus
constitutes the Proxy Statement of Jay Financial in connection with the Special
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on __________________ ___, 1999 for the
purpose of voting on the merger.

     If Jay Financial is merged into First Merchants, each share of Jay
Financial common stock shall be converted into the right to receive 13.41681
shares of First Merchants common stock. This exchange ratio is subject to
adjustment under the circumstances described in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.
First Merchants will pay cash for any fractional share interests resulting from
the exchange ratio.

     The merger cannot be completed unless the shareholders of Jay Financial
approve it.  Jay Financial will hold a special meeting of its shareholders for
that purpose.  YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.  Whether or not you plan to attend
the Special Meeting, please take the time to vote by completing and returning
the enclosed proxy card.  If you sign, date and mail your proxy card without
indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote in favor
of the merger.

     The Special Meeting of the Shareholders of Jay Financial will be held on
____________ __, 1999 at ___ p.m. local time, at the main office of The First
National Bank of Portland located at 112 West Main Street, Portland, Indiana
47371.

      This document provides you with detailed information about the Special
Meeting and the proposed merger.  We encourage you to read this entire document
carefully. You can also get information about First Merchants from publicly
available documents that First Merchants has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  Additionally, shares of First Merchants common stock are
traded in the over-the-counter market and share prices are reported by the
NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol FRME.

     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT
TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                  PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS DATED ___________, 1999
              AND FIRST MAILED TO SHAREHOLDERS ON _______________, 1999.

THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST MERCHANTS THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN OR DELIVERED WITH THIS
DOCUMENT. THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE
TO EACH JAY FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDER UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST TO LARRY R.
HELMS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL, FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION,
200 EAST JACKSON STREET, MUNCIE INDIANA 47305, (765) 747-1530.  TO OBTAIN TIMELY
DELIVERY, YOU SHOULD REQUEST SUCH INFORMATION BY __________, 1999.

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          PAGE
                                                                       
SUMMARY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1
     The Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1
     The Shareholders Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1
     Record Date; Vote Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2
     Reasons for the Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2
     Recommendation to Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2
     The Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
     Exchange of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
     Opinion of Financial Adviser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
     What We Need to Do to Complete the Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
     Termination of the Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4
     Waiver and Amendment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4
     Accounting Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4
     Regulatory Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4
     Restrictions Placed on the Sale of First Merchants Stock Issued to
         Certain Jay Financial Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5
     Comparative Rights of First Merchants Shareholders And Jay
         Financial Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5
     Dissenters' Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5
     Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5
     Management and Operations After the Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . .     5
     Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger that are Different
         From Your Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6
     Pro Forma Comparative Per Share Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     8

SPECIAL MEETING (Jay Financial Shareholders) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
     General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
     Matters To Be Considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
     Votes Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
     Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
     Solicitation of Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    16
     Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    16

                                         (i)

MERGER   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17
     Description of the Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17
     First Merchants' Reasons for the Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17
     Jay Financial's Reasons for the Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17
     Opinion of Financial Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    19
     Recommendation of the Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    23
     Exchange of Jay Financial Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    23
     Conversion Ratio Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    24
     Rights of Dissenting Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    24
     Resale of First Merchants Common Stock by Jay Financial Affiliates.    26
     Conditions to Consummation of the Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    27
     Termination; Waiver; Amendment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    27
     Restrictions Affecting Jay Financial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    28
     Regulatory Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    29
     Effective Date of the Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    29
     Management After the Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    30
     Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . .    30
     Accounting Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    31
     Registration Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    31

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    32

COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    34
     Nature of Trading Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    34
     Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    35

DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    37
     Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    37
     Acquisition Policy and Pending Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . .    37
     Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference . . . . . . . . .    38

DESCRIPTION OF JAY FINANCIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
     Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
     Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
     Litigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
     Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
     Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    40
     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. . .    41
     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. . . . . . . . . . .    43

JAY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    44

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF FIRST MERCHANTS,
JAY FINANCIAL AND SUBSIDIARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    67
     Bank Holding Company Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    67
     Capital Adequacy Guidelines for Bank Holding Companies. . . . . . .    67
     Bank Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    68

                                         (ii)

     Bank Capital Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    69
     FDICIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    69
     Deposit Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    70
     Brokered Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    70
     Interstate Banking And Branching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    71
     Additional Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    71

COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    72
     Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    72
     Authorized But Unissued Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    72
     Preemptive Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    73
     Dividend Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    73
     Voting Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    73
     Dissenters' Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    74
     Liquidation Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    75
     Assessment and Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    75
     Anti-Takeover Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    75
     Director Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    77

LEGAL OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    77

EXPERTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    78

OTHER MATTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    78

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    78

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    80

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  F-1

APPENDICES
     A.  Agreement of Reorganization and Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . .  A-1
     B.  Indiana Business Corporation Law, Chapter 44
         (Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  B-1
     C.  Fairness Opinion of Professional Bank Services, Inc.. . . . . .  C-1

                                        (iii)

                                      SUMMARY

THIS BRIEF SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED INFORMATION FROM THE PROXY STATEMENT-
PROSPECTUS.  IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO
YOU.  YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE ENTIRE PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS AND THE
OTHER DOCUMENTS TO WHICH THIS DOCUMENT REFERS TO UNDERSTAND THE MERGER FULLY.
SEE "WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" ON PAGE 78.

THE COMPANIES (PAGES 37 AND 39 )

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
200 East Jackson Street
Muncie, Indiana  47305
(765) 747-1500

First Merchants is a multi-bank holding company organized under the laws of the
State of Indiana and headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.  First Merchants has five
banking subsidiaries, First Merchants Bank, National Association, First United
Bank, Pendleton Banking Company, The Union County National Bank of Liberty and
The Randolph County Bank. In addition, Pendleton Banking Company owns First
Merchants Insurance Services, Inc.  See "DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS."

First Merchants has also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Anderson
Community Bank.  See "DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS--Acquisition Policy and
Pending Transactions."

JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
112 West Main Street
P.O. Box 1089
Portland, Indiana  47371
(219) 726-7158

Jay Financial is a one bank holding company organized under the laws of the
State of Indiana.  The First National Bank of Portland is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Jay Financial.  See "DESCRIPTION OF JAY FINANCIAL."

THE SHAREHOLDERS MEETING (PAGE 15)

The Special Meeting of Shareholders of Jay Financial will be held on ________
__, 1999, at ____ p.m. local time, at The First National Bank of Portland, 112
West Main Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  At the Special Meeting, Jay
Financial shareholders will be asked:

     1.   to approve the merger of Jay Financial and First Merchants; and

     2.   to act on any other items that may be submitted to a vote at the
          Special Meeting.

                                          1

RECORD DATE; VOTE REQUIRED (PAGE 15)

You can vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders if you owned either Class A
or Class B common stock of Jay Financial at the close of business on _________,
1999.  You can cast one vote for each share of stock you owned on that date.  To
approve the merger, the holders of a majority of the shares of Jay Financial
common stock outstanding must vote in its favor.  You can vote your shares by
attending the Special Meeting of Shareholders or you can mark the enclosed proxy
card with your vote, sign it and mail it in the enclosed return envelope.  You
can revoke your proxy as late as the date of the meeting either by sending in a
new proxy or by attending the meeting and voting in person.

Jay Financial's executive officers, directors and their affiliates control in
the aggregate, directly and indirectly, 58,592 shares or approximately 71% of
the shares of Jay Financial common stock outstanding.  Barry J. Hudson, Chairman
of the Board of Jay Financial, has agreed to cause all shares of Jay Financial
common stock owned by him of record or beneficially to be voted in favor of the
merger. Mr. Hudson owns of record or beneficially 54,879 shares or approximately
67% of the shares of Jay Financial common stock outstanding.  As a result,
approval of the merger is assured merely by the vote of all shares controlled by
Barry Hudson in favor of the merger.

REASONS FOR THE MERGER (PAGE 17)

FIRST MERCHANTS.  First Merchants' Board of Directors considered a number of
financial and nonfinancial factors in making its decision to merge with Jay
Financial, including its respect for the ability and integrity of the Jay
Financial Board of Directors, management and staff.  The Board believes that
expanding First Merchants' operations in the areas Jay Financial operates offers
long term strategic benefits to First Merchants.

JAY FINANCIAL.  In considering the merger with First Merchants, the Board of
Directors of Jay Financial collected and evaluated a variety of economic,
financial and market information regarding First Merchants and its subsidiaries,
their respective businesses and First Merchants' reputation and future
prospects.  In the opinion of the Board of Directors of Jay Financial, favorable
factors included First Merchants' strong earnings and stock performance, its
management, the compatibility of its markets to those of Jay Financial and the
attractiveness of First Merchants' offer from a financial perspective.
Consideration was further given to the potential benefits of ownership of First
Merchants common stock, which is traded in the over-the-counter market and
reported on the NASDAQ National Market System, as compared to Jay Financial
common stock, which has no established public trading market.  In addition, the
Board of Directors considered the opinion of Professional Bank Services, Inc.,
the financial advisor to Jay Financial, indicating that the consideration to be
received by Jay Financial's shareholders under the Agreement is fair from a
financial perspective.  The Board of Directors believes that the merger will
have a positive, long-term impact on The First National Bank of Portland's
customers and employees and the communities served by The First National Bank of
Portland.

RECOMMENDATION TO SHAREHOLDERS (PAGES 16 AND 23)

The Board of Directors of Jay Financial believes that the merger is in your best
interests and unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the proposal to approve
the merger.

                                          2

THE MERGER (PAGE 17)

WE HAVE ATTACHED THE AGREEMENT OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (THE "AGREEMENT") TO
THIS DOCUMENT AS APPENDIX A.  PLEASE READ THE AGREEMENT.  IT IS THE LEGAL
DOCUMENT THAT GOVERNS THE MERGER.

Jay Financial will merge with First Merchants and thereafter Jay Financial will
cease to exist.  As a result of the merger, The First National Bank of Portland
will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants.  We hope to complete
this merger in the first quarter of 1999.

EXCHANGE OF SHARES (PAGE 23)

As a Jay Financial shareholder, each of your shares of Jay Financial common
stock will be converted into the right to receive 13.41681 shares of First
Merchants common stock.  Cash will be paid for fractional shares of First
Merchants common stock resulting from the conversion ratio.  The exact number of
shares of First Merchants common stock that you will receive is subject to
adjustment under certain circumstances described in detail later in this
document.

There is currently no established trading market for shares of Jay Financial
common stock.  Shares of First Merchants common stock are traded in the over-
the-counter market and are reported on the NASDAQ National Market System.  The
closing price of First Merchants common stock was $27.33 per share on August 19,
1998 (as adjusted to take into account a 3-for-2 stock split of First Merchants
common stock effected in October, 1998), the business day before the merger was
publicly announced, and was $_______ per share on ________ __, 1999.   Based on
the conversion ratio of 13.41681, the market value of the consideration that Jay
Financial shareholders will receive in the merger for each share of Jay
Financial common stock would be $366.68 based on First Merchants' closing stock
price on August 19, 1998 and $_______ based on First Merchants' closing stock
price on __________ __, 1999.  Of course, the market price of First Merchants'
shares will fluctuate prior to the merger, while the conversion ratio is fixed.

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISER (PAGE 19)

The Board of Directors of Jay Financial has received the written opinion of
Professional Bank Services, Inc. dated August 19, 1998, that the terms of the
merger are fair from a financial point of view to the shareholders of Jay
Financial. The opinion was updated as of the date of this Proxy Statement-
Prospectus.  We have attached a copy of the opinion and update to this document
as Appendix C.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO COMPLETE THE MERGER (PAGE 27)

The completion of the merger depends on a number of conditions being met.  In
addition to our compliance with the Agreement, these conditions include among
others:

     1.   approval of the Agreement by Jay Financial shareholders;

     2.   approval of the merger by certain regulatory agencies;

                                          3

     3.   the receipt of a letter from First Merchants' independent public
          accountants as to its ability to account for the merger as
          a "pooling of interests;" and

     4.   the receipt of an opinion of counsel with respect to certain federal
          income tax matters.

TERMINATION OF THE MERGER (PAGE 27)

The Agreement may be terminated before the merger becomes effective upon the
occurrence of certain events, including among others:

     1.   a material misrepresentation or breach of the Agreement;

     2.   a material adverse change in the financial condition of First
          Merchants or Jay Financial since June 30, 1998;

     3.   the failure of the merger to qualify as a tax-free reorganization;

     4.   the failure of the merger to qualify for "pooling of interests"
          accounting treatment;

     5.   the merger not having been completed before April 30, 1999; or

     6.   the average daily closing price of First Merchants common stock for a
          defined period before closing of the merger being less than $22.93 or
          greater than $34.40, subject to the right of the nonterminating party
          to preserve the Agreement by adjusting the conversion ratio.

WAIVER AND AMENDMENT (PAGE 27)

We can agree to amend the Agreement, and each of us can waive our right to
require the other party to adhere to the terms and conditions of the Agreement,
where the law allows.  However, we may not do so after the Jay Financial
shareholders approve the merger if the amendment or waiver would have a material
adverse effect on the Jay Financial shareholders.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT (PAGE 31)

We expect the merger to qualify as a "pooling of interests." This means that,
for accounting and financial reporting purposes, we will treat our companies as
if they had always been one company.

REGULATORY APPROVALS (PAGE 29)

The merger must be approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.  We have filed all
of the required applications or notices with the Federal Reserve Board and the
Indiana Department.

                                          4

RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON THE SALE OF FIRST MERCHANTS STOCK ISSUED TO
CERTAIN JAY FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDERS (PAGE 26)

Certain resale restrictions apply to the sale or transfer of the shares of First
Merchants common stock issued to directors, executive officers and 10%
shareholders of Jay Financial in exchange for their shares of Jay Financial
common stock.

COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF FIRST MERCHANTS SHAREHOLDERS
AND JAY FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDERS (PAGE 72)

The rights of shareholders of First Merchants and Jay Financial differ in some
respects.  Upon completion of the merger, Jay Financial shareholders who receive
First Merchants common stock will take such stock subject to its terms and
conditions.  The Articles of Incorporation of First Merchants contain certain
anti-takeover measures which may discourage or render more difficult a
subsequent takeover of First Merchants by another corporation.

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS (PAGE 24)

Indiana law permits you to dissent from the merger and have the fair value of
your stock appraised by a court and paid to you in cash.  To do this, you must
follow certain procedures, including giving Jay Financial certain notices and
NOT VOTING YOUR SHARES IN FAVOR OF THE MERGER.  You will not receive any stock
in First Merchants if you dissent and follow all of the required procedures.
Instead, you will only receive the value of your stock in cash.  The relevant
sections of Indiana law governing this process are attached to this document as
Appendix B.

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES (PAGE 32)

In general, no gain or loss, for federal income tax purposes, will be recognized
by you upon distribution to you of shares of First Merchants common stock.  Gain
or loss, for federal income tax purposes, will be recognized, however, with
respect to cash payments received by you in lieu of fractional share interests
resulting from the conversion ratio.  Gain or loss will also be recognized with
respect to cash  payments received by you if you perfect your dissenters'
rights. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisors with respect to the
tax consequences of the merger to you.

Our obligation to complete the merger is conditioned on our receipt of a legal
opinion about the federal income tax consequences of the merger. The opinion
will not however bind the Internal Revenue Service which could take a different
view. Determining the actual tax consequences of the merger to you can be
complicated.

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER (PAGE 30)

Jay Financial's corporate existence will cease after the merger.  Accordingly,
directors and officers of Jay Financial will not serve in such capacities after
the effective date of the merger.  The directors and officers of The First
National Bank of Portland will continue in their respective positions after the
merger, subject to certain restrictions.

                                          5

INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER THAT ARE DIFFERENT
FROM YOUR INTERESTS (PAGE 30)

Some of Jay Financial's directors and officers have interests in the merger that
are different from, or in addition to, their interests as shareholders of Jay
Financial.  These interests exist because of agreements that the Jay Financial
directors and officers have with First Merchants, including the following.

When we complete the merger, Barry J. Hudson, current Chairman of the Board of
Jay Financial, will be nominated for election as a director of First Merchants
to serve for three years following the merger.  The officers and directors of
Jay Financial will remain officers and directors of The First National Bank of
Portland.  The merger is conditioned on First Merchants offering change of
control agreements to Barry J. Hudson and James A. Meinerding, the current
Chairman of the Board and President, respectively, of Jay Financial.

The members of the Jay Financial Board of Directors knew about these additional
interests, and considered them, when they approved the Agreement.

PRO FORMA COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

The following tables show information about Jay Financial's and First Merchants'
income per share, dividends per share and book value per share, and similar
information reflecting the merger (which we refer to as "pro forma"
information).  In presenting the comparative pro forma information for certain
time periods, we assumed that we had been merged throughout those periods.

We also assumed that we will treat our companies as if they had always been
combined for accounting and financial reporting purposes (a method known as
"pooling of interests" accounting).  The information listed as "equivalent pro
forma" was obtained by multiplying the pro forma amounts by the conversion ratio
of 13.41681.  The pro forma information, while helpful in illustrating the
financial characteristics of the new company under one set of assumptions, does
not attempt to predict or suggest future results.

The information in the following table is based on the historical financial
information of Jay Financial included in this document and historical financial
information of First Merchants which it has presented in its prior Securities
and Exchange Commission filings.  The historical financial information of First
Merchants has been incorporated into this document by reference.  See "WHERE
YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" on page 78.

                                          6

      FIRST MERCHANTS AND JAY FINANCIAL HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED       FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
     FIRST MERCHANTS -- HISTORICAL (1)  SEPTEMBER 30, 1998       1997          1996       1995
                                        ------------------       ----          ----       -----
                                                                             
Net income
       Basic                                 $1.15              $1.44         $1.33       $1.22
       Diluted                                1.13               1.43          1.32        1.21
Cash dividends                                 .57                .69           .59         .51
Book value at period end                     12.88              12.20         11.38       10.66

     JAY FINANCIAL -- HISTORICAL
Net income                                  $13.31             $17.84        $20.40      $16.53
Cash dividends                                1.00               2.00          2.00        1.00
Book value at period end                    179.11             166.39        149.89      131.49

                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED       FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
     FIRST MERCHANTS -- PRO FORMA (1)   SEPTEMBER 30, 1998       1997          1996        1995
                                        ------------------       ----          ----        -----
                                                                             
Net income
     Basic                                   $1.13              $1.43         $1.35       $1.22
     Diluted                                  1.12               1.42          1.34        1.22
Cash dividends                                 .57                .69           .59         .51
Book value at period end                     12.93              12.39         11.36       10.43

JAY FINANCIAL -- EQUIVALENT (2)
Net income
     Basic                                  $15.16             $19.19        $18.11      $16.37
     Diluted                                 15.03              19.05         17.98       16.37
Cash dividends                                7.65               9.26          7.92        6.84
Book value at period end                    173.48             166.23        152.41      139.94

(1)  Restated for 3-for-2 stock splits of First Merchants common stock effected
     in October 1995 and 1998.
(2)  Computed by multiplying First Merchants pro forma per share information by
     the indicated conversion ratio of 13.41681.

                                          7

                              SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables show summarized historical financial data for each of Jay
Financial and First Merchants and also show similar pro forma information
reflecting the merger.  The pro forma information reflects the "pooling of
interests" method of accounting.

We expect that we will incur reorganization and restructuring expenses as a
result of combining our companies.  We also anticipate that the merger will
provide the combined company with financial benefits that include reduced
operating expenses and the opportunity to earn more revenue.  The pro forma
information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the
new company under one set of assumptions, does not take into account these
expected expenses or these anticipated financial benefits, or otherwise attempt
to predict or suggest future results.

The information in the following tables is based on historical financial
information of Jay Financial included in this document and historical financial
information of First Merchants that it has presented in its prior Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.  All of the summary financial information we
provide in the following tables should be read in connection with this
historical financial information.  The historical information of First Merchants
has been incorporated into this document by reference.  See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" on page 78.  First Merchants' audited historical
financial statements were audited by Olive, LLP, independent certified public
accountants, and Jay Financial's audited historical financial statements were
audited by Crowe, Chizek & Co. LLP, independent certified public accountants.

                                          8

                                   FIRST MERCHANTS
               FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                   (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

                                        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                           SEPTEMBER 30                         FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                      -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1998         1997           1997           1996           1995          1994         1993
                                        ----         ----           ----           ----           ----          ----         ----
                                                                                                      
     SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income- tax equivalent       $60,905     $57,669        $77,864        $71,607        $68,400        $59,738      $58,592
Interest expense                       28,088      26,376         35,725         32,349         31,351         23,829       24,056
                                      -------      -------        -------        -------        -------       -------      -------
Net interest income- tax equivalent    32,817      31,293         42,139         39,258         37,049         35,909       34,536
Tax equivalent adjustment               1,902       1,763          2,389          2,111          1,952          1,971        2,011
                                      -------      -------        -------        -------        -------       -------      -------
Net interest income                    30,915      29,530         39,750         37,147         35,097         33,938       32,525
Provision for loan losses               1,268         952          1,297          1,253          1,388          1,202        1,654
Noninterest income                      8,385       6,755          9,229          8,342          7,592          6,919        7,350
Noninterest expense                    20,358      19,104         25,748         24,135         22,992         22,632       22,108
                                      -------      -------        -------        -------        -------       -------      -------
Income before income tax and
  cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle                 17,674      16,229         21,934         20,101         18,309         17,023       16,113
Income tax expense                      6,161       5,557          7,561          6,959          6,261          5,660        5,250
                                      -------      -------        -------        -------        -------       -------      -------

Income before cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principle       11,513      10,672         14,373         13,142         12,048         11,363       10,863

Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle                                                                                                         260
                                      -------      -------        -------        -------        -------       -------      -------

NET INCOME                            $11,513     $10,672        $14,373        $13,142        $12,048        $11,363      $11,123
                                      -------     -------        -------        -------        -------        -------      -------
                                      -------     -------        -------        -------        -------        -------      -------

     PER SHARE DATA (1)
Income before cumulative effect
  of change in accounting principle
     Basic                              $1.15       $1.07          $1.44          $1.33          $1.22          $1.15        $1.09
     Diluted                             1.13        1.06           1.43           1.32           1.21           1.15         1.09

                                          9

                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30                       FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                        --------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------
                                              1998           1997           1997      1996        1995         1994         1993
                                              ----           ----           ----      ----        ----         ----         ----
                                                                                                   
Net income
   Basic                                     $1.15         $1.07           $1.44     $1.33      $1.22         $1.15       $1.12
   Diluted                                    1.13          1.06            1.43      1.32       1.21          1.15        1.11
Cash dividends (2)                             .57           .51             .69       .59        .51           .47         .42

     BALANCES END OF PERIOD
Total assets                            $1,113,879    $1,007,711      $1,020,136  $967,993   $942,156      $868,153    $842,681
Total loans                                733,659       699,495         703,784   631,700    553,074       528,641     495,703
Total deposits                             860,588       789,366         843,812   794,451    783,936       720,009     688,644
Securities sold under repurchase
     agreements                             78,302        33,802          15,398    20,054     28,887        19,010      27,319
Federal home loan bank advances             29,704        18,700          20,700     9,150      9,000         8,000       6,000
Stockholders' equity                       129,827       119,714         121,969   112,687    104,967        92,754      89,257

     SELECTED RATIOS
Return on average assets                      1.47%         1.44%           1.45%     1.41%      1.35%         1.33%       1.34%
Return on average equity                     12.23         12.29           12.28     12.16      12.17         12.42       12.89

(1)  Restated for 3-for-2 stock splits effected January 1993 and October 1995
     and 1998.

(2)  Dividends per share are for First Merchants only, not restated for pooling
     transactions.

                                          10

                                    JAY FINANCIAL
               FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                   (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         SEPTEMBER 30                FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                    ---------------------    -----------------------------------------------------
                                                     1998          1997       1997         1996        1995       1994        1993
                                                     ----          ----       ----         ----        ----       ----        ----
                                                                                                      
   SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income - tax equivalent  (1)              $6,519        $6,364     $8,565       $8,215      $7,379     $6,481      $6,548
Interest expense                                    2,904         2,774      3,754        3,525       3,159      2,704       2,855
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income - tax equivalent (1)            3,615         3,590      4,811        4,690       4,220      3,777       3,693
Tax equivalent adjustment (1)                         (97)         (143)      (187)        (211)       (239)      (275)       (258)
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income                                 3,518         3,447      4,624        4,479       3,981      3,502       3,435
Provision for loan losses                            (180)         (180)      (240)        (281)       (155)      (139)       (139)
Noninterest income                                    582           523        689          846         596        523         583
Noninterest expense                                 2,241         2,133      2,844        2,483       2,423      2,258       2,134
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income before income taxes and cumulative
   effect of change in accounting principle         1,679         1,657      2,229        2,561       1,999      1,628       1,745
Income tax expense                                    589           573        768          890         645        476         553
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before cumulative effect of change in
    accounting principle                            1,090         1,084      1,461        1,671       1,354      1,152       1,192
Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle                               -             -          -            -           -          -            53
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET INCOME                                         $1,090        $1,084     $1,461       $1,671      $1,354     $1,152      $1,245
                                                   -------       -------     ------      ------      ------     ------      ------
                                                   -------       -------     ------      ------      ------     ------      ------

                                          11

                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         SEPTEMBER 30                FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                   ---------------------    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1998          1997       1997         1996        1995       1994        1993
                                                     ----          ----       ----         ----        ----       ----        ----
                                                                                                       
    PER SHARE DATA (2)
Income before cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle                             $13.31        $13.24     $17.84       $20.40      $16.53     $14.07      $14.56
Net income                                          13.31         13.24      17.84        20.40       16.53      14.07       15.20
Cash dividends                                       1.00          1.00       2.00         2.00        1.00       0.95        0.95

    BALANCES END OF PERIOD
Total Assets                                     $108,626      $103,570   $104,977     $101,679     $92,492    $87,391     $84,907
Total Loans                                        88,242        84,484     84,908       77,502      64,660     55,565      49,545
Total Deposits                                     88,872        83,685     83,602       87,151      80,829     76,213      74,739
Noninterest-bearing deposits                        5,205         4,508      5,441        7,040       6,660      6,555       5,532
Interest-bearing deposits                          83,667        79,177     78,161       80,111      74,169     69,658      69,207
Long-term borrowings                                3,800         3,800      4,800        1,000           0          0         568
Shareholders' equity                               14,669        13,318     13,627       12,276      10,769      8,912       8,449

     SELECTED RATIOS
Return on average assets                             1.37%         1.42%      1.42%        1.70%       1.52%      1.37%       1.51%
Return on average equity                            10.25         11.29      11.25        14.44       13.70      13.34       15.82

(1) Net interest income has been presented on both a tax equivalent and non-tax
equivalent basis.  The tax equivalent basis was calculated using a 34% tax rate
for all periods presented.  The tax equivalent adjustment reverses the tax
equivalent basis in order to present net interest income in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), as reflected in the
consolidated financial statements.

(2) Per share data has been retroactively adjusted to reflect stock dividends.

                                          12

                                  FIRST MERCHANTS
                    PRO FORMA SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                  (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED       FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                              SEPTEMBER 30     -------------------------------------
                                                  1998           1997            1996          1995
                                                  ----           ----            ----          ----
                                                                                 
     SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income -- tax equivalent               $67,424        $86,429        $79,822        $75,779
Interest expense                                 30,992         39,479         35,874         34,510
                                                -------        -------         -------       -------
Net interest income -- tax equivalent            36,432         46,950         43,948         41,269
Tax equivalent adjustment                         1,999          2,576          2,322          2,191
                                                -------        -------         -------       -------
Net interest income                              34,433         44,374         41,626         39,078
Provision for loan losses                         1,448          1,537          1,534          1,543
Noninterest income                                8,967          9,918          9,188          8,188
Noninterest expense                              22,599         28,592         26,618         25,415
                                                -------        -------         -------       -------
Income before income tax                         19,353         24,163         22,662         20,308
Income tax expense                                6,750          8,329          7,849          6,906
                                                -------        -------         -------       -------
Net income                                      $12,603        $15,834        $14,813        $13,402
                                                -------        -------         -------       -------
                                                -------        -------         -------       -------

     PER SHARE DATA (1)
Net income
  Basic                                           $1.13          $1.43          $1.35          $1.22
  Diluted                                          1.12           1.42           1.34           1.22
Cash dividends (2)                                  .57            .69            .59            .51

     BALANCES END OF PERIOD
Total assets                                 $1,222,505     $1,125,113     $1,069,672     $1,034,648
Total loans                                     821,901        788,692        709,202        617,734
Total deposits                                  949,460        927,414        881,602        864,765
Securities sold under repurchase
   agreements                                    78,302         15,398         20,054         28,887
Federal home loan bank advances                  33,504         25,500         10,150          9,000

                                          13

                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED       FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                              SEPTEMBER 30     -------------------------------------
                                                  1998           1997            1996          1995
                                                  ----           ----            ----          ----

Stockholders' equity                           $144,496       $135,596       $124,963       $115,736

    SELECTED RATIOS
Return on average assets                           1.46%          1.44%          1.44%          1.37%
Return on average equity                          12.03          12.18          12.38          12.30

(1)  Restated for 3-for-2 stock splits effected January 1993 and October 1995
     and 1998.
(2)  Dividends per share are for First Merchants only, not restated for pooling
     transactions.

                                          14

                                  SPECIAL MEETING

                         SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

     This Proxy Statement-Prospectus is furnished to the shareholders of Jay
Financial Corporation ("JAY FINANCIAL") in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of Jay Financial of proxies for use at the Special
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on ___________________, 1999, at ________
o'clock p.m., local time, at the main office of The First National Bank of
Portland, 112 West Main Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  This Proxy Statement-
Prospectus is first being mailed to Jay Financial shareholders on
_______________________ ___, 1999.

MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED

     The purpose of the Special Meeting is to consider and vote upon an
Agreement of Reorganization and Merger (the "AGREEMENT"), dated August 20, 1998,
by and between First Merchants Corporation ("FIRST MERCHANTS") and Jay
Financial.  Pursuant to the Agreement, Jay Financial will merge with and into
First Merchants and The First National Bank of Portland will become a wholly-
owned subsidiary of First Merchants.

VOTES REQUIRED

     Approval of the Agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of Jay Financial Class A and Class B common stock.  Only
holders of record of Jay Financial common stock at the close of business on
_____________ ___, 1999, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting.  Jay Financial had 81,900 shares of common stock issued and outstanding
on the record date, which shares were held of record by approximately 74
shareholders.  Each share of Jay Financial common stock is entitled to one vote.

     Jay Financial's executive officers, directors and their affiliates control
in the aggregate, directly and indirectly, 58,592 shares or approximately 71% of
the shares of Jay Financial common stock outstanding.  Barry J. Hudson, Chairman
of the Board of Jay Financial, has agreed to cause all shares of Jay Financial
common stock owned by him of record or beneficially to be voted in favor of the
merger. Mr. Hudson owns of record or beneficially 54,879 shares or approximately
67% of the shares of Jay Financial common stock outstanding.  As a result,
approval of the merger is assured merely by the vote of all shares controlled by
Barry Hudson in favor of the merger.

PROXIES

     The shares represented by proxies properly signed and returned will be
voted at the Special Meeting.  In the absence of specific instructions to the
contrary, proxies will be voted FOR approval of the Agreement described in this
Proxy Statement-Prospectus and in accordance with the judgment of the persons
named as proxies with respect to any other matter which may properly come before
the Special Meeting.  Any shareholder giving a proxy has the right to

                                          15

revoke it before it is exercised.  Therefore, execution of a proxy will not
affect a shareholder's right to vote in person if he or she attends the Special
Meeting.  Revocation may be made by a later dated proxy delivered to Jay
Financial; by written notice sent to the Secretary of Jay Financial at 112 West
Main Street, Portland, Indiana 47371; or by personal oral or written request at
the Special Meeting.  To be effective, any revocation must be received before
the proxy is exercised.

     Because approval of the Agreement and the merger of Jay Financial into
First Merchants requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Jay Financial common stock, abstentions and broker non-votes will have
the same effect as voting against approval of the Agreement.  Accordingly, the
Jay Financial Board urges the Jay Financial shareholders to complete, date and
sign the accompanying proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

     The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by Jay Financial. In 
addition to use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by 
telephone or telegraph by directors, officers and certain employees of Jay 
Financial, who will not be specially compensated for such soliciting.  In 
soliciting proxies, the directors, officers and employees of Jay Financial 
have no authority to make any representations and warranties about the merger 
or the Agreement in addition to or contrary to the provisions stated in this 
Proxy Statement-Prospectus.  No statement made by a director, officer or 
employee of Jay Financial regarding the merger or the Agreement should be 
relied upon except as expressly stated in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

RECOMMENDATIONS

     The Jay Financial Board has unanimously approved the Agreement and the 
transactions contemplated thereby.  The Board believes that the merger is in 
the best interests of Jay Financial and its shareholders.  The Board 
unanimously recommends that the Jay Financial shareholders vote "FOR" the 
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.  See "MERGER - Jay 
Financial's Reasons for the Merger - Recommendation of the Board of 
Directors."

                                          16

                                       MERGER

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE AGREEMENT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE
A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE AGREEMENT, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS AS APPENDIX A AND IS INCORPORATED INTO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS BY REFERENCE.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MERGER

     Under the terms of the Agreement, Jay Financial will merge with and into
First Merchants and the separate corporate existence of Jay Financial will
cease.  As a result, The First National Bank of Portland (the "BANK") will
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants.  It is the present
intention of First Merchants to continue to operate the Bank as a subsidiary
after the effective date of the merger.

FIRST MERCHANTS' REASONS FOR THE MERGER

     In adopting the Agreement and the merger, the First Merchants Board
considered a number of factors concerning First Merchants' benefits of the
merger.  Without assigning any relative or specific weights to the factors, the
First Merchants Board considered the following material factors:

          1.   First Merchants' respect for the ability and integrity of the Jay
               Financial Board of Directors, management, and staff, and their
               affiliates and First Merchants' belief that expanding its
               operations in the areas served by Jay Financial offers important
               long range strategic benefits to First Merchants;

          2.   a  review of (i) the business, operations, earnings, and
               financial condition including the capital levels and asset
               quality, of Jay Financial on a historical, prospective, and pro
               forma basis in comparison to other financial institutions in the
               area, (ii) the demographic, economic, and financial
               characteristics of the market in which Jay Financial operates,
               including existing competition, history of the market areas with
               respect to financial institutions, and average demand for credit,
               on a historical and prospective basis, and (iii) the results of
               First Merchants' due diligence review of Jay Financial; and

          3.   a variety of factors affecting and relating to the overall
               strategic focus of First Merchants, including First Merchants'
               desire to expand into contiguous markets.

JAY FINANCIAL'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER

     Among other items considered by the Jay Financial Board of Directors in
evaluating whether to remain independent or whether to pursue a merger with
First Merchants were the following factors:

                                          17

          1.   the prospects of Jay Financial and First Merchants, as separate
               institutions and as combined;

          2.   the compatibility of First Merchants' subsidiary banks' markets
               to that of Jay Financial's market;

          3.   the anticipated tax-free nature of the merger to the shareholders
               of Jay Financial receiving solely First Merchants common stock in
               exchange for their shares of Jay Financial common stock;

          4.   the possibility of increased liquidity through ownership of First
               Merchants common stock as compared to Jay Financial common stock
               because First Merchants common stock is traded in the
               over-the-counter market and share prices are reported on the
               NASDAQ National Market System;

          5.   the timeliness of a merger given the state of the economy and the
               stock markets as well as anticipated trends in both;

          6.   regulatory requirements;

          7.   relevant price information involving recent comparable bank
               acquisitions which occurred in the Midwest United States;

          8.   First Merchants' intention to operate the Bank as a wholly-owned
               subsidiary of First Merchants;

          9.   an analysis of alternatives to Jay Financial merging with First
               Merchants, including other potential acquirors; and

          10.  the opinion of Professional Bank Services, Inc. indicating that
               the consideration to be received by Jay Financial's shareholders
               under the Agreement is fair from a financial perspective.

     The Board of Directors of Jay Financial also considered the impact of the
merger on Jay Financial's and the Bank's customers and employees and the
communities served by the Bank.  First Merchants' historical practice of
retaining employees of acquired institutions with competitive salary and benefit
programs was considered, as was the opportunity for training, education, growth
and advancement of the Bank's employees within First Merchants or one of its
subsidiaries.  The Board of Directors of Jay Financial examined First Merchants'
continuing commitment to the communities served by the institutions previously
acquired by First Merchants.  Further from the standpoint of the Bank's
customers, it was anticipated that more products and services would become
available because of First Merchants' greater resources.

     Based upon the foregoing factors, the Board of Directors of Jay Financial
concluded that it was advantageous to merge with First Merchants.  The
importance of the various factors relative to one another cannot be precisely
determined or measured.

                                          18

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR

     Professional Bank Services, Inc. ("PBS") was engaged by Jay Financial to
advise Jay Financial's Board of Directors as to the fairness of the
consideration, from a financial perspective, to be paid by First Merchants to
the Jay Financial shareholders as set forth in the Agreement.

     PBS is a bank consulting firm with offices in Louisville, Chicago,
Nashville and Washington, D.C. As part of its investment banking business, PBS
is regularly engaged in reviewing the fairness of financial institution
acquisition transactions from a financial perspective and in the valuation of
financial institutions and other businesses and their securities in connection
with mergers, acquisitions, estate settlements, and other transactions. Neither
PBS nor any of its affiliates has a material financial interest in Jay Financial
or First Merchants. PBS was selected to advise Jay Financial's Board of
Directors based upon its familiarity with Indiana financial institutions and
knowledge of the banking industry as a whole.

     PBS performed certain analyses described herein and presented the range of
values for Jay Financial resulting from such analyses to the Board of Directors
of Jay Financial in connection with its advice as to the fairness of the
consideration to be paid by First Merchants.

     A Fairness Opinion of PBS was delivered to the Board of Directors of Jay
Financial on August 19, 1998, at a meeting of the Board of Directors and has
been updated as of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement. A copy of the
Fairness Opinion, which includes a summary of the assumptions made and
information analyzed in deriving the Fairness Opinion, and the update are
attached as Appendix C to this Proxy Statement-Prospectus and should be read in
its entirety.

     In arriving at its Fairness Opinion, PBS reviewed certain publicly
available business and financial information relating to Jay Financial and First
Merchants. PBS considered certain financial and stock market data of Jay
Financial and First Merchants, compared that data with similar data for certain
other publicly-held bank holding companies and considered the financial terms of
certain other comparable bank transactions in the State of Indiana that had
recently been effected. PBS also considered such other information, financial
studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria
that it deemed relevant. In connection with its review, PBS did not
independently verify the foregoing information and relied on such information as
being complete and accurate in all material respects. Financial forecasts
prepared by PBS were based on assumptions believed by PBS to be reasonable and
to reflect currently available information. PBS did not make an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets of Jay Financial or First Merchants. PBS
took into consideration the results of PBS' wholly owned subsidiary's,
Investment Bank Services, Inc. ("IBS"), solicitation of indications of interest
from other financial institutions concerning their interest in a possible
affiliation with Jay Financial. PBS reviewed the correspondence and information
received from interested financial institutions that were contacted. PBS
reviewed all offers received by Jay Financial.

     As part of preparing this Fairness Opinion, PBS performed a due diligence
review of First Merchants on August 19, 1998. As part of the due diligence, PBS
reviewed the following items: minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors
of First Merchants for 1997 and year to date 1998; regulatory reports of
examination of First Merchants and First Merchants Bank, National Association;
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 audited annual reports and

                                          19

supplemental management letters issued by First Merchants' independent external
auditors; the June 30, 1998 Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income for
each of First Merchants'  subsidiary banks; the Consolidated Financial
Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C), the Bank Holding Company
Performance Report for March 31, 1998; various asset quality related reports;
the most recent Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss analysis reports for First
Merchants and each affiliate bank; and independent internal audit reports.

     PBS reviewed and analyzed the historical performance of Jay Financial and
Jay Financial's wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, contained in: audited Annual
Reports and financial statements dated December 31, 1996 and 1997 of Jay
Financial; December 31, 1997, March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1998 Consolidated
Reports of Condition and Income filed by the Bank with the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation; December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998 Uniform Bank
Performance Reports of the Bank; historical common stock trading activity of Jay
Financial; and the premises and other fixed assets. PBS reviewed and tabulated
statistical data regarding the loan portfolio, securities portfolio and other
performance ratios and statistics. Financial projections were prepared and
analyzed as well as other financial studies, analyses and investigations as
deemed relevant for the purposes of this opinion. In review of the
aforementioned information, PBS took into account its assessment of general
market and financial conditions, its experience in other similar transactions,
and its knowledge of the banking industry generally.

     In connection with rendering the Fairness Opinion and preparing its written
and oral presentation to Jay Financial's Board of Directors, PBS performed a
variety of financial analyses, including those summarized herein. The summary
does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by PBS
in this regard. The preparation of a Fairness Opinion involves various
determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial
analysis and the application of these methods to the particular circumstances
and therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to summary
description. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors summarized below,
PBS believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its analyses and of the factors considered by it, without
considering all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the
evaluation process underlying its opinion. In performing its analyses, PBS made
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic
conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond  Jay Financial's or First
Merchants' control. The analyses performed by PBS are not necessarily indicative
of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than suggested by such analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the
values of businesses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the process
by which businesses actually may be sold.

     ACQUISITION COMPARISON ANALYSIS: In performing this analysis, PBS reviewed
all bank acquisition transactions in the State of Indiana since 1990. There were
64 bank acquisition transactions in Indiana announced since 1990 for which
detailed financial information was available. The purpose of the analysis was to
obtain an evaluation range based on these Indiana bank acquisition transactions.
Median multiples of earnings and book value implied by the comparable
transactions were utilized in obtaining a range for the acquisition value of Jay
Financial. In addition to reviewing recent Indiana bank transactions, PBS
performed separate comparable analyses for acquisitions of banks which, like Jay
Financial, had an equity-to-asset ratio between 10.00% and 13.50%, had total
assets between $75.0 - $200.0 million, had a return on average equity ("ROAE")
between 11.00% - 13.50% and bank transactions effected in

                                          20

Indiana since January 1, 1996. In addition, median values for the 64 Indiana
acquisitions expressed as multiples of both book value and earnings were 1.70
and 17.87, respectively. The median multiples of book value and earnings for
acquisitions of Indiana banks which, like Jay Financial, had an equity-to-asset
ratio between 10.00% and 13.50% were 1.71 and 20.55, respectively. For
acquisitions of Indiana banks with assets between $75.0 - $200.0 million, the
median multiples were 1.85 and 19.89. For Indiana acquisitions of banks with a
ROAE between 11.00% - 13.50%, the median multiples of book value and earnings
were 1.96 and 16.61, respectively. The median multiples of book value and
earnings for acquisitions of Indiana banks since January 1, 1996, were 2.21 and
24.20, respectively.

     The Agreement provides that, in the proposed transaction, Jay Financial
shareholders will receive an aggregate of 732,558 shares of First Merchants
common stock (or 1,098,837 shares of First Merchants common stock after taking
into account a 3-for-2 stock split of First Merchants common stock effected in
October, 1998) for all 81,900 shares of Jay Financial common stock outstanding,
as further defined in the Agreement. On August 17, 1998, the average of the
bid/ask price for First Merchants common stock on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System was $40.375 per share.  Such price
does not reflect the effect of the 3-for-2 stock split of First Merchants common
stock effected in October, 1998.  Using this average price of $40.375 per share
of First Merchants common stock, the proposed consideration to be received
represents an aggregate value of $29,577,029 or $361.14 per share of Jay
Financial common stock. The $361.14 per share of Jay Financial common stock
represents a multiple of Jay Financial's December 31, 1997 book value and a
multiple of Jay Financial's 1997 net income of 2.17X and 20.24X, respectively.

     The market value of the proposed transaction's percentile ranking was
prepared and analyzed with respect to the above Indiana comparable transaction
groups. Compared to all Indiana bank transactions, the acquisition value ranked
in the 78th  percentile as a multiple of book value and in the 62nd percentile
as a multiple of earnings. Compared to Indiana bank transactions where the
acquired institution had an equity-to-asset ratio between 10.00% and 13.50%, the
acquisition value ranked in the 78th  percentile as a multiple of book value and
the 48th percentile as a multiple of earnings. For Indiana bank acquisitions
where the acquired institution had between $75.0 - $200.0 million in assets, the
acquisition value ranked in the 75th  percentile as a multiple of book value and
the 52nd percentile as a multiple of earnings. For Indiana bank transactions
where the acquired institution had a ROAE between 11.00% and 13.50%, the
acquisition value ranked in the 60th  percentile as a multiple of book value and
the 70th percentile as a multiple of earnings. For Indiana bank transactions
effected since January 1, 1996, the acquisition value ranked in the 49th
percentile as a multiple of book value and in the 23rd percentile as a multiple
of earnings.

     ADJUSTED NET ASSET VALUE ANALYSIS: PBS reviewed Jay Financial's balance
sheet data to determine the amount of material adjustments required to the
stockholders' equity of Jay Financial based on differences between the market
value of Jay Financial's assets and their value reflected on Jay Financial's
financial statements. PBS determined that two adjustments were warranted. Equity
was increased $15,000 to reflect the after tax appreciation in Jay Financial's
held to maturity securities portfolio. PBS also reflected a value of the non-
interest bearing demand deposits of approximately $1,266,000. The aggregate
adjusted net asset value of Jay Financial was determined to be $14,908,000 or
$182.03 per share of Jay Financial common stock.

                                          21

     DISCOUNTED EARNINGS ANALYSIS: A dividend discount analysis was performed by
PBS pursuant to which a range of values of Jay Financial was determined by
adding (i) the present value of estimated future dividend streams that Jay
Financial could generate over a five-year period and (ii) the present value of
the "terminal value" of Jay Financial's earnings at the end of the fifth year.
The "terminal value" of Jay Financial's earnings at the end of the five-year
period was determined by applying a multiple of 17.87 times the projected
terminal year's earnings. The 17.87 multiple represents the median price paid as
a multiple of earnings for all Indiana bank transactions since 1990.

     Dividend streams and terminal values were discounted to present values
using a discount rate of 12%. This rate reflects assumptions regarding the
required rate of return of holders or buyers of Jay Financial's common stock.
The aggregate value of Jay Financial, determined by adding the present value of
the total cash flows, was $26,289,000 or $320.99 per share. In addition, using
the five-year projection as a base, a twenty-year projection was prepared
assuming an annual growth rate of 6.0%, and a return on assets of 1.50% in year
1, 1.55% in year 2 and 1.60% in years 3 through 20. Dividends were equal to
50.0% of income throughout the analysis. This long-term projection resulted in
an aggregate value of $19,810,000 or $241.88 per share of Jay Financial common
stock.

     SPECIFIC ACQUISITION ANALYSIS: PBS valued Jay Financial based on an
acquisition analysis assuming a "break-even" earnings scenario to an acquiror as
to price, current interest rates and amortization of the premium paid. Based on
this analysis, an acquiring institution would pay in the aggregate $24,494,000,
or $299.07 per share, assuming they were willing to accept no impact to their
net income in the initial year. This analysis was based on a funding cost of
6.5% adjusted for taxes, amortization of the acquisition premium over 15 years
and a projected December 31, 1998 earnings level of $1,659,000. This analysis
was repeated assuming a potential acquiror would attain non-interest expense
reductions of 10% in the transaction. Based on this analysis an acquiring
institution would pay in aggregate $26,120,000 or $318.92 per share of Jay
Financial common stock.

     PRO FORMA MERGER ANALYSIS: PBS compared the historical performance of Jay
Financial to that of First Merchants and other regional holding companies. This
analysis included, among other things, a comparison of profitability, asset
quality and capital measures. In addition, the contribution of Jay Financial and
First Merchants to the income statement and balance sheet of the pro forma
combined company was analyzed.

     The effect of the affiliation on the historical and pro forma financial
data of Jay Financial was prepared and analyzed. Jay Financial's historical
financial data was compared to the pro forma combined historical and projected
earnings, book value and dividends per share.

     The Fairness Opinion is directed only to the question of whether the
consideration to be received by Jay Financial's shareholders under the Agreement
is fair and equitable from a financial perspective and does not constitute a
recommendation to any Jay Financial shareholder to vote in favor of the
affiliation. No limitations were imposed on PBS regarding the scope of its
investigation or otherwise by Jay Financial.

                                          22

     Based on the results of the various analyses described above, PBS concluded
that the consideration to be received by Jay Financial's shareholders under the
Agreement is fair and equitable from a financial perspective to the shareholders
of Jay Financial.

     Based on a First Merchants stock price of $40.375 (which stock price does
not reflect the effect of the 3-for-2 stock split of First Merchants common
stock effected in October, 1998), PBS and IBS will receive fees of approximately
$119,000 for all services performed in connection with the sale of Jay Financial
and the rendering of the Fairness Opinion. In addition, Jay Financial has agreed
to indemnify PBS and IBS and its directors, officers and employees, from
liability in connection with the transaction, and to hold PBS and IBS harmless
from any losses, actions, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities related to
any of PBS' or IBS' acts or decisions made in good faith and in the best
interest of Jay Financial.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JAY FINANCIAL HAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE AGREEMENT AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS TO THE JAY
FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDERS THAT THEY APPROVE THE AGREEMENT.

EXCHANGE OF JAY FINANCIAL COMMON STOCK

     Under the terms of the Agreement, as of the effective date of the merger,
each outstanding share of Jay Financial common stock, other than shares as to
which dissenters' rights have been exercised, will be converted into the right
to receive 13.41681 shares of First Merchants common stock.  The Agreement
originally provided for a conversion ratio of 8.94454.  However, as a result of
First Merchants October 23, 1998, 3-for-2 stock split, the conversion ratio was
adjusted to 13.41681.  The conversion ratio is subject to further adjustment
under certain circumstances.  See "MERGER -- Conversion Ratio Adjustment."

     No fractional shares of First Merchants common stock will be issued to Jay
Financial shareholders.  Each shareholder who otherwise would be entitled to a
fractional interest in a First Merchants share as a result of the exchange ratio
will, upon surrender of all of the shareholder's certificates, promptly receive
cash for the fractional interest.  The price of the fractional interest will
equal First Merchants' average closing price (as reported by NASDAQ) for the
five business days immediately preceding the effective date of the merger.

     After the effective date of the merger, stock certificates previously
representing Jay Financial common stock will represent only the right to receive
shares of First Merchants common stock and cash for any fractional shares, or,
in the case of dissenters, the right to receive cash.  After the effective date
of the merger and until holders of Jay Financial common stock exchange their
stock certificates for First Merchants certificates, they will not receive First
Merchants' dividends or other distributions.  However, any accumulated dividends
or other distributions previously declared will be paid, without interest, upon
the exchange of Jay Financial stock certificates for those of First Merchants.
On the effective date of the merger, the stock transfer books of Jay Financial
will be closed and no transfer of shares of Jay Financial common stock will
thereafter be made.  If, after the effective date, certificates representing
shares of Jay Financial common stock are presented for registration or transfer,
they will be cancelled and exchanged for shares of First Merchants' common stock
and cash, as applicable.

                                          23

     Distribution of stock certificates representing shares of First Merchants
common stock and cash payments for fractional shares will be made to each former
shareholder of Jay Financial within ten days of the shareholder's delivery of
his or her certificates.  Delivery of Jay Financial shares for conversion will
not be taken until after the effective date of the merger.  First Merchants
Bank, National Association will act as conversion agent in the merger.
Instructions as to delivery of stock certificates will be sent to each
shareholder shortly after the effective date of the merger.

CONVERSION RATIO ADJUSTMENT

     The Agreement provides that Jay Financial may terminate the Agreement if
the First Merchants Average Price (as defined below) is less than $22.93 (a "JAY
FINANCIAL PRICE TERMINATION EVENT").  The Agreement also provides that First
Merchants may terminate the  Agreement if the First Merchants Average Price is
greater than $34.40 (a "FIRST MERCHANTS PRICE TERMINATION EVENT").  As a result
of First Merchants October 23, 1998, 3-for-2 stock split, such prices have been
adjusted from $34.40 and $51.60, respectively, as originally provided in the
Agreement.

     If a Jay Financial Price Termination Event occurs and Jay Financial's Board
exercises its right to terminate the Agreement, it must give written notice to
First Merchants of its election to terminate the merger within 24 hours of the
Determination Date (as defined below).  Within two business days after the
receipt of such notice, First Merchants will have the option of increasing the
conversion ratio to equal a number equal to a quotient, the numerator of which
is the product of $22.93 and the conversion ratio (as then in effect) and the
denominator of which is the First Merchants Average Price.  If First Merchants
elects to make such an adjustment to the conversion ratio, the Agreement will
remain in effect in accordance with its terms (except for the adjustment to the
conversion ratio).

     If a First Merchants Price Termination Event occurs and First Merchants'
Board exercises its right to terminate the Agreement, it must give written
notice to Jay Financial of its election to terminate the merger within 24 hours
of the Determination Date.  Within two business days after the receipt of such
notice, Jay Financial will have the option of decreasing the conversion ratio to
equal a number equal to a quotient, the numerator of which is the product of
$34.40 and the conversion ratio (as then in effect) and the denominator of which
is the First Merchants Average Price.  If Jay Financial elects to make such an
adjustment to the conversion ratio, the Agreement will remain in effect in
accordance with its terms (except for the adjustment to the conversion ratio).

     "First Merchants Average Price" means the average of the daily closing
prices of the common stock of First Merchants as reported in The Wall Street
Journal (Midwest Edition) for the ten NASDAQ trading days preceding the fifth
calendar day prior to the Determination Date.  "Determination Date" means the
fifth calendar day prior to the closing date of the merger.

RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

     The Indiana Business Corporation Law ("IBCL") provides shareholders of
merging corporations with certain dissenters' rights.  The dissenters' rights of
Jay Financial shareholders are set forth in Chapter 44 of the IBCL, a copy of
which is attached to this Proxy Statement-

                                          24

Prospectus as Appendix B.  Shareholders will not be entitled to dissenters'
rights absent strict compliance with the procedures of Indiana law.

     Chapter 44 of the IBCL provides that Jay Financial shareholders have the
right to demand payment in cash for the fair value of their shares immediately
before the merger becomes effective.  Such fair market value excludes any
appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the merger, unless a court
determines that such exclusion would be inequitable.  To claim this right, the
shareholder must first:

          1.   deliver to Jay Financial before the vote is taken, written notice
               of the shareholder's intent to demand payment in cash for the
               shareholder's shares if the merger is effectuated; AND

          2.   not vote in favor of the merger in person or by proxy.

Dissenting shareholders may send their written notice to Barry J. Hudson,
Chairman of the Board, Jay Financial Corporation, 112 West Main Street,
Portland, Indiana 47371.

     If the merger is approved by the Jay Financial shareholders, First
Merchants or Jay Financial will, within 10 days after shareholder approval, send
a notice of dissenters' rights to those shareholders who have satisfied the
above conditions.  The notice will state the procedures that dissenting
shareholders must follow to exercise dissenters' rights under Indiana law.

     A Jay Financial shareholder who is sent such a notice must then:

          1.   demand payment for his or her shares of Jay Financial common
               stock;

          2.   certify that beneficial ownership of the Jay Financial shares was
               acquired before the date set forth in such notice; and

          3.   deposit the Jay Financial stock certificates in accordance with
               the terms of the notice.

     A JAY FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDER WHO DOES NOT STRICTLY COMPLY WITH EACH OF THE
CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE WILL BE CONSIDERED NOT TO BE ENTITLED TO RIGHTS UNDER
CHAPTER 44 OF THE IBCL.  SHAREHOLDERS WHO EXECUTE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
BUT DO NOT SPECIFY A CHOICE ON THE MERGER PROPOSAL WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE VOTED
IN FAVOR OF THE MERGER AND ACCORDINGLY TO HAVE WAIVED THEIR DISSENTERS' RIGHTS,
UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER REVOKES THE PROXY PRIOR TO ITS BEING VOTED.

     Upon consummation of the merger, First Merchants will pay each dissenting
Jay Financial shareholder who has complied with all of the requirements of
Chapter 44 and of the notice, First Merchants' estimate of the fair value of the
shares as of the time immediately prior to the merger, EXCLUDING ANY
APPRECIATION IN VALUE IN ANTICIPATION OF THE MERGER.  The determination of the
estimate of "fair value" will be based on the value of such shares of Jay
Financial common stock on August 19, 1998, the day immediately prior to the
announcement of the merger.

                                          25

     Dissenters can object to the fair value established by First Merchants by
stating their estimate of the fair value and demand payment of the additional
amount within 30 days after First Merchants makes or offers  payment to the
dissenter.  First Merchants can elect to agree to the dissenter's fair value
demand or commence an action within 60 days of receipt of the dissenter's demand
in the Circuit or Superior Court of Jay County for a judicial determination of
the fair value.  The Court may appoint appraisers to determine the fair value.
The costs of the proceeding, including compensation and expenses of the
appraisers, counsel for the parties and experts, will be assessed against all
parties to the action in such amounts as the Court finds equitable.  Each
dissenter made a party to the action will be entitled to receive the amount, if
any, by which the Court finds the fair value of the dissenter's shares, plus
interest, exceeds the amount paid by First Merchants.

     THE FOREGOING SUMMARY OF THE RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS ADDRESSES
ALL MATERIAL FEATURES OF THE APPLICABLE INDIANA DISSENTERS' RIGHTS STATUTE BUT
DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE
STATUTORY PROVISIONS ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX B.

     A SHAREHOLDER'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXERCISING DISSENTERS' RIGHTS WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF SUCH RIGHTS AND
SHAREHOLDERS WHO MAY WISH TO EXERCISE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS SHOULD CONSIDER SEEKING
LEGAL COUNSEL.

RESALE OF FIRST MERCHANTS COMMON STOCK BY JAY FINANCIAL AFFILIATES

     Generally, no restrictions on the sale or transfer of the shares of First
Merchants common stock issued pursuant to the merger will be imposed solely as a
result of the merger.  However,  certain restrictions will apply to the transfer
of First Merchants' shares owned by any shareholder deemed a Jay Financial
"affiliate" under Rule 145 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"SECURITIES ACT").  Directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders are
generally deemed to be affiliates for purposes of Rule 145.

     The Agreement provides that Jay Financial will provide First Merchants with
a list identifying each affiliate of Jay Financial.  The Agreement also requires
that each Jay Financial affiliate deliver to First Merchants, prior to the
effective date of the merger, a written transfer restriction agreement.  The
transfer restriction agreement shall provide that the affiliate will not sell,
pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose or reduce such affiliate's market risk
with respect to the First Merchants common stock to be received:

          1.   during the period 30 days prior to the effective date of the
               merger;

          2.   until such time as financial results covering at least 30 days of
               combined operations of Jay Financial and First Merchants have
               been published; and

          3.   unless done pursuant to an effective registration statement under
               the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 145 or another exemption
               from the registration requirements under the Securities Act.

                                          26

     The certificates representing First Merchants common stock issued to Jay
Financial affiliates in the merger may contain a legend indicating these resale
restrictions.  IF YOU ARE AN AFFILIATE OF JAY FINANCIAL, YOU SHOULD CONFER WITH
LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING THE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY APPLY.

CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

     Consummation of the merger is conditioned upon, among other things, the
satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

          1.   the approval of the Agreement by the affirmative vote of the
               holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock
               of Jay Financial;

          2.   the registration of First Merchants common stock with the
               Securities and Exchange Commission and the receipt of all state
               securities and blue sky approvals required for the offer and sale
               of First Merchants common stock to Jay Financial shareholders;

          3.   the receipt of all regulatory approvals required for the merger;

          4.   the receipt of an opinion of counsel with respect to certain
               federal income tax matters;

          5.   the receipt by First Merchants of a letter from its independent
               public accountants confirming its ability to account for the
               merger as a "pooling of interests";

          6.   the receipt by First Merchants of certain undertakings from
               affiliates of Jay Financial; and

          7.   First Merchants offering change of control agreements to Barry J.
               Hudson and James A. Meinerding.

      Consummation of the merger is further conditioned upon both parties
receipt of certain officers' certificates and legal opinions, the accuracy of
representations and warranties contained in the Agreement and the fulfillment of
certain covenants set forth in the Agreement.  The conditions to consummation of
the merger are requirements not subject to unilateral waiver and may be altered
only by the written consent of the parties.  See "MERGER -- Resale of First
Merchants Common Stock by Jay Financial Affiliates," "MERGER -- Regulatory
Approvals," "MERGER - Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger," "FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES" and Appendix A.

TERMINATION; WAIVER; AMENDMENT

     The Agreement may be terminated before the merger becomes effective under
the following conditions:

                                          27

          1.   either party makes a material misrepresentation in or materially
               breaches the Agreement;

          2.   either party reasonably determines that consummation of the
               merger is inadvisable due to the commencement or threat of
               material legal proceedings against one of the parties;

          3.   a material adverse change occurs in the consolidated financial
               condition or business of First Merchants or Jay Financial since
               June 30, 1998;

          4.   the merger will not constitute a tax-free reorganization under
               the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

          5.   the merger cannot be accounted for as a "pooling of interests";

          6.   certain information provided pursuant to the Agreement by Jay
               Financial to First Merchants prior to consummation of the merger
               has had or may have a material adverse effect on the financial
               condition or business of Jay Financial or The First National Bank
               of Portland;

          7.   consummation of the merger has not occurred by April 30, 1999; or

          8.   as described under "MERGER - Conversion Ratio Adjustment."

     Upon termination for any of these reasons, the Agreement will be void and
of no further force or effect.

     The parties can agree to amend the Agreement and can waive their right to
require the other party to adhere to the terms and conditions of the Agreement,
where the law allows. However, no amendment to the Agreement is permissible
after the Jay Financial shareholders approve the merger if the amendment or
waiver would have a material adverse effect on the Jay Financial shareholders.

RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING JAY FINANCIAL

     The Agreement contains certain restrictions regarding the conduct of
business of Jay Financial and The First National Bank of Portland.  Among other
items, neither Jay Financial nor the Bank may, without the prior written consent
of First Merchants, materially change its capital structure, declare or pay any
dividends or make any other distribution to its shareholders.  Notwithstanding,
the Agreement allows for Jay Financial to make quarterly dividend payments on
its common stock in October, 1998, December, 1998 and April, 1999, which
dividends shall not exceed $0.50 per share, respectively.  Jay Financial may not
pay any such dividend with respect to the fiscal quarter in which the merger
becomes effective and in which Jay Financial shareholders become entitled to
receive dividends on the shares of First Merchants received in the merger.  The
First National Bank of Portland is permitted under the Agreement to pay
dividends to Jay Financial to cover its expenses of operations and expenses
related to the merger.

                                          28

REGULATORY APPROVALS

     The merger is subject to the prior approval requirements of the Indiana
Financial Institutions Act and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.
Applications thereunder have been filed with the Indiana Department of Financial
Institutions ("INDIANA DEPARTMENT") and with the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System ("FEDERAL RESERVE").  In reviewing the Indiana Department
application, the Indiana Department considers  various factors including:

          1.   the managerial and financial resources of First Merchants;

          2.   whether First Merchants' subsidiaries, First Merchants Bank,
               National Association, Pendleton Banking Company, First United
               Bank, The Union County National Bank of Liberty and The Randolph
               County Bank, have met, and propose to continue to meet, the
               credit needs of their communities; and

          3.   whether the interests of depositors, creditors, and the public
               generally are jeopardized by the transaction.

     In reviewing the Federal Reserve application, the Federal Reserve takes
into consideration various factors including the financial and managerial
resources and future prospects of First Merchants and its subsidiaries, as well
as the competitive effects of the acquisition and the convenience and needs of
the community served by The First National Bank of Portland.  The Federal
Reserve may not approve a transaction if it finds that the effect of the
transaction substantially lessens competition, tends to create a monopoly or
results in a restraint of trade, unless the Federal Reserve finds that the anti-
competitive effects of the proposed transaction are outweighed by the public
interest and the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience
and needs of the communities to be served.

     After the Federal Reserve's approval is received, the merger cannot be
consummated for 30 days, during which time the United States Department of
Justice has the authority to challenge the merger on antitrust grounds.  With
the approval of the Federal Reserve and the Department of Justice, the waiting
period can be reduced to no later than 15 days.

     The approvals of the Indiana Department and the Federal Reserve are not to
be interpreted as the opinion of those regulatory authorities that the merger is
favorable to the shareholders of Jay Financial from a financial point of view or
that those regulatory authorities have considered the adequacy of the terms of
the merger.  The approvals in no way constitute an endorsement or a
recommendation of the  merger by the Indiana Department or the Federal Reserve.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE MERGER

     The merger will become effective in the month in which the last required
approval to consummate the merger is received or, if later, in which any
applicable waiting period following an approval expires.  First Merchants and
Jay Financial currently anticipate that the effective date of the merger will
occur during the first quarter of 1999.

                                          29

MANAGEMENT AFTER THE MERGER

     First Merchants will be the surviving corporation in the merger and Jay
Financial's separate corporate existence will cease.  Accordingly, the directors
and officers of Jay Financial will no longer serve in such capacities after the
effective date of the merger.

     The officers and directors of The First National Bank of Portland
immediately prior to the merger will continue to be the officers and directors
of the Bank following the merger subject to the provisions of the Bank's
Articles of Association and By-Laws.  Bank directors who desire to continue to
serve in that capacity shall do so for at least the remainder of the one year
terms to which they have been elected. The First National Bank of Portland's
directors will be subject to First Merchants' policy of mandatory retirement at
age 70; provided, however, the policy of mandatory retirement will not apply to
any of the Bank's current directors until 12 months after the merger.

     In accordance with the Agreement, First Merchants shall cause all necessary
action to be taken to cause the current Chairman of the Board of Jay Financial,
Barry J. Hudson, to either (i) be nominated for election as a member of the
First Merchants Board of Directors for a three year term at the first annual
meeting of First Merchants' shareholders following the merger, or (ii) be
appointed as a director at the Board's first meeting following the completion of
the merger.  As an appointed director, Mr. Hudson would serve until the next
annual meeting of First Merchants' shareholders and then be nominated for
election to a three year term as a director.  The timing of the merger's
completion will dictate the option that is followed.

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

     Certain of the directors and officers of Jay Financial have interests in
the merger other than their interests as Jay Financial shareholders, pursuant to
certain agreements and understandings that are reflected in the Agreement.
     Those agreements and understandings are as follows.

     First Merchants has agreed that it will cause the current Chairman of the
Board of Jay Financial, Barry J. Hudson, to be nominated for election to the
First Merchants Board of Directors for a three year term at the  first annual
meeting of First Merchants' shareholders following the merger.  If First
Merchants' Board meets after the merger but before the next annual meeting of
First Merchants' shareholders, the Board shall appoint Mr. Hudson as a director
to serve until the first annual meeting of First Merchants.

     The officers and directors of Jay Financial will remain officers and
directors of the First National Bank of Portland after the merger.

     The merger is conditional upon First Merchants offering change of control
agreements to Barry J. Hudson and James A. Meinerding, the current Chairman of
the Board and President, respectively, of Jay Financial. The agreements are
expected to provide severance benefits in the event of a change in control of
First Merchants or the termination or constructive termination of the executive.
The severance benefits payable in such a circumstance will be approximately 2.9
times the executive's annual cash compensation at the time. Mr. Hudson's
agreement is to be in

                                          30

effect for so long as he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the First
National Bank of Portland and Mr. Meinerding's is to be for a term of three
years after the merger.

     The members of the Jay Financial Board of Directors knew about those
additional  interests, and considered them, when they approved the Agreement.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     The merger is expected to qualify as a "pooling of interests" for
accounting and financial reporting purposes.  It is a condition of the merger
that First Merchants shall have received a letter from its independent
accountants to the effect that, in their opinion, the merger will qualify as a
pooling of interests transaction under generally accepted accounting principles.
Olive, LLP  are the independent accountants for First Merchants.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

     First Merchants has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission registering under the Securities Act the
shares of First Merchants common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger.
First Merchants common stock, for so long as it is listed on the NASDAQ National
Market System, is exempt from the statutory registration requirements of each
state in the United States.  Therefore, First Merchants has not taken any steps
to register its stock under those statutes.

                                          31

                          FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SUMMARIZES CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX ASPECTS OF THE
MERGER.  THE DISCUSSION DOES NOT PURPORT TO COVER ALL FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE MERGER AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY INFORMATION WITH
RESPECT TO STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.

     The merger is expected to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE").  As such, the
following is a summary of the federal income tax consequences that will result:

          1.   No gain or loss will be recognized by Jay Financial shareholders
               who exchange all of their Jay Financial common stock for First 
               Merchants common stock pursuant to the merger, except to the 
               extent of gain or loss attributable to any cash received in 
               lieu of receipt of a fractional share of First Merchants
               common stock;

          2.   The basis of the First Merchants common stock received (including
               any fractional share interests deemed received) by Jay Financial
               shareholders who exchange all of their Jay Financial common stock
               for First Merchants common stock will be the same as the basis of
               the Jay Financial common stock surrendered in exchange therefor;

          3.   The holding period of the First Merchants common stock received
               (including any fractional share interests deemed received) by Jay
               Financial shareholders who exchange all of their Jay Financial
               common stock for First Merchants common stock will include  the
               period during which the Jay Financial common stock was held,
               provided the Jay Financial common stock was held as a capital
               asset on the date of the exchange;

          4.   Where a cash payment is received by a Jay Financial shareholder
               in lieu of fractional shares of First Merchants common stock, the
               cash payment will be treated as a distribution in redemption of
               the deemed fractional share interest by First Merchants, subject
               to the provisions and limitations of Section 302 of the Code.
               Where such exchange qualifies under the provisions and
               limitations of Section 302(a) of the Code, such shareholder will
               recognize a capital gain or loss provided that the Jay Financial
               common stock was held as a capital asset on the date of the
               merger;

          5.   Any Jay Financial shareholder who perfects dissenter's rights and
               receives solely cash in exchange for his or her Jay Financial
               common stock shall be treated as having received such cash as a
               distribution in redemption of the Jay Financial common stock
               subject to the provisions and limitations of Section 302 of the
               Code.  If, as a result of such distribution, such Jay Financial
               shareholder owns no First Merchants common stock, either directly
               or through the application of the constructive ownership rules of
               Section 318(a) of the Code, the redemption will be a complete
               termination of interest within the meaning of Section 302(b)(3)
               of the Code and the cash will be treated as a distribution in
               full payment and exchange for the Jay Financial common stock as
               provided in Section 302(a) of the Code.  Under Section 1001 of
               the Code, gain or loss (subject to any applicable

                                          32

               limitations of the Code) will be realized and recognized to such
               Jay Financial shareholder in an amount equal to the difference
               between the redemption price and the adjusted basis of the Jay
               Financial common stock surrendered in exchange therefor;

          6.   No gain or loss will be recognized by Jay Financial or First
               Merchants in connection with the transaction; and

          7.   The basis of the assets of Jay Financial acquired by First
               Merchants in the merger will be the same as the basis of such
               assets in the hands of Jay Financial immediately prior to the
               merger.

     Receipt of an opinion of tax counsel with respect to the above is a
condition precedent to consummation of the merger.  The tax opinion will be
based upon representations made by the management of First Merchants and Jay
Financial.  The opinion will not however be binding on the Internal Revenue
Service which could take a different view.  No ruling has been sought from the
Internal Revenue Service regarding the tax-free nature of the merger.

     THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND DOES NOT CONSIDER THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES
OF ANY PARTICULAR JAY FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDER. EACH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT
WITH HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

                                          33

                             COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

NATURE OF TRADING MARKET

     Shares of First Merchants common stock are traded in the over-the-counter
market and share prices are reported by the NASDAQ National Market System under
the symbol FRME.  On August 19, 1998, the business day immediately preceding the
public announcement of the merger, the closing price of First Merchants common
stock was $27.33 per share (as adjusted to take into account a 3-for-2 stock
split of First Merchants common stock effected in October, 1998).  On
____________, 1999, the closing price of First Merchants common stock was
$______ per share.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,
First Merchants' high and low closing prices per share.  Prices reflect
inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not
represent the actual transaction.  All prices have been adjusted to give effect
to stock dividends and stock splits.

1996                         HIGH                       LOW
- ----                         ----                       ---
                                                 
First Quarter                $18.33                    $16.67
Second  Quarter              $18.33                    $16.33
Third Quarter                $17.33                    $15.50
Fourth Quarter               $17.83                    $16.04

1997
- ----
First Quarter                $20.00                    $16.83
Second Quarter               $20.50                    $18.50
Third Quarter                $21.59                    $20.00
Fourth Quarter               $25.33                    $21.42

1998
- ----
First Quarter                $27.67                    $23.83
Second Quarter               $31.17                    $26.17
Third Quarter                $30.83                    $21.67

     There is no established public trading market for shares of Jay Financial
common stock.  Most trades are isolated and occur after private negotiations,
with the result that management of Jay Financial is not directly informed of
trades or prices.  The best information available to Jay Financial's management
indicates that in 1996, 1997 and 1998, the following number of shares of Jay
Financial common stock were traded in the number of transactions and for prices
to be within the ranges set forth below:

                               Number of                     Sales Price
                                Shares      Number of        -----------
            Year                Traded     Transactions     High        Low
            ----                ------     ------------     ----        ----
                                                          
            1996                 4547           12         $166.50    $140.00
            1997                   0             0           0           0
            1998                   0             0           0           0
(through September 30, 1998)

                                          34

     Management of Jay Financial has not verified the accuracy of the above
prices.  Further, the prices may not be a reliable indicator of the price at
which more than a limited number of shares of Jay Financial common stock would
trade and there  may have been additional shares of Jay Financial common stock
traded at higher or lower prices of which Jay Financial management is unaware.
The last trade of Jay Financial common stock, of which Jay Financial management
is aware, occurred on or about June 5, 1996 and involved the sale of 210 shares
at a price which, to the best of Jay Financial management's knowledge, was
approximately $140 per share.

     As of __________, 199__, there were approximately ____ holders of First
Merchants common stock and approximately 74 holders of Jay Financial common
stock, not including individual participants in security position listings.

DIVIDENDS

     The following table sets forth the per share cash dividends declared on
shares of First Merchants common stock and Jay Financial common stock since
January 1, 1996.  All dividends have been adjusted to give effect to stock
dividends and stock splits.

                                    First Merchants       Jay Financial
1996                                Common Stock (1)      Common Stock (2)
- ----                                ----------------      ----------------
                                                    
First Quarter                            $0.13                 $0.00
Second  Quarter                          $0.13                 $0.25
Third Quarter                            $0.16                 $0.40
Fourth Quarter                           $0.16                 $1.35

1997
- ----
First Quarter                            $0.16                 $0.00
Second Quarter                           $0.16                 $0.50
Third Quarter                            $0.19                 $0.50
Fourth Quarter                           $0.19                 $1.00

1998
- ----
First Quarter                            $0.19                 $0.00
Second Quarter                           $0.19                 $0.50
Third Quarter                            $0.20                 $0.50

(1)  There can be no assurance as to the amount of future dividends that may be
     declared or paid on shares of First Merchants common stock since dividend
     policies are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of First
     Merchants, general business conditions and dividends paid to First
     Merchants by its affiliate banks.  For certain restrictions on the payment
     of dividends on shares of First Merchants common stock, see "COMPARISON OF
     COMMON STOCK--Dividend Rights."

(2)  During 1996, 1997 and 1998, Jay Financial has declared and paid dividends
     on a quarterly basis. In accordance with the Agreement, Jay Financial is
     permitted to pay dividends on its common stock in October 1998, December
     1998, and April 1999, which dividends shall not exceed $0.50 per share,
     respectively, provided that Jay Financial may not pay any such dividend
     during the fiscal quarter in which the merger becomes

                                          35

     effective and in which Jay Financial shareholders become entitled to
     receive dividends on the shares of First Merchants common stock into which
     their shares of Jay Financial common stock are to be converted.

                                          36

                           DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS

BUSINESS

     First Merchants was incorporated under Indiana law on September 20, 1982 as
the bank holding company for First Merchants Bank, National Association, a
national banking association incorporated on February 6, 1893.  On November 30,
1988, First Merchants acquired Pendleton Banking Company, a state chartered
commercial bank organized in 1872.  On July 31, 1991, First Merchants acquired
First United Bank, a state chartered commercial bank organized in 1882.  On
August 1, 1996, First Merchants acquired The Union County National Bank of
Liberty, a national banking association organized in 1872.  On October 2, 1996,
First Merchants acquired The Randolph County Bank, a state chartered commercial
bank organized in 1865.

     First Merchants is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and is presently
conducting commercial banking business through the 26 offices of its five bank
subsidiaries.  These commercial banking activities include accepting demand,
savings and time deposits; making agricultural, commercial, industrial, consumer
and real estate loans; installment credit lending; collections, safe deposit
operations, performing fiduciary and trust services; and providing other
services relating to the general banking business.

     First Merchants' bank subsidiaries make and service both secured and
unsecured loans to individuals, firms and corporations.  Their installment loan
departments make direct loans to individuals and purchase installment
obligations from retailers without recourse.  In addition, First Merchants'
subsidiaries make a variety of residential, industrial, commercial and
agricultural loans.

     First Merchants is also conducting an insurance agency business through
First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Pendleton Banking Company.  First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc.  commenced
operations in 1998.

ACQUISITION POLICY AND PENDING TRANSACTIONS

     First Merchants anticipates that it will continue its policy of geographic
expansion through acquisitions of additional financial institutions.  First
Merchants management periodically reviews and analyzes potential acquisitions.
As of the date of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus, First Merchants is a party to
a definitive agreement to acquire Anderson Community Bank through a merger of
Anderson Community Bank into Pendleton Banking Company.  Anderson Community
Bank's principal executive offices are located in Anderson, Indiana.  As of
September 30, 1998, Anderson Community Bank had assets of approximately $75.7
million, deposits of approximately $67.7 million, shareholders' equity of
approximately $7.3 million and net income for the nine month period then ended
of approximately $763,000.

                                          37

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     Additional information concerning First Merchants is included in the First
Merchants documents incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus. Shareholders desiring copies of such documents may contact
First Merchants at its address or telephone number indicated under "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION."

                                          38

                            DESCRIPTION OF JAY FINANCIAL

BUSINESS

     Jay Financial is an Indiana corporation which was incorporated in 1988 and
which is a registered bank holding company owning all of the issued and
outstanding common stock of The First National Bank of Portland (the "BANK").
Jay Financial's principal office is located in Portland, Indiana and its
business consists primarily of the ownership, supervision and control of the
Bank.  The common stock of the Bank is Jay Financial's principal asset and
dividends paid by the Bank are Jay Financial's principal source of income.

     The Bank is a national bank which was established in 1904 and which has
been in continuous operation since that date.  The Bank provides various
commercial and consumer banking services to its customers located primarily in
Jay County, Indiana. These services include accepting demand, savings and time
deposits; making commercial, consumer and real estate loans; administering
trusts and estates; and providing other services relating to the general banking
business, such as, for example, safe deposit facilities.

PROPERTIES

     The main office of Jay Financial and the Bank is located at 112 West Main
Street, Portland, Indiana.  The Bank also operates two branches located at 115
West Main Street, Portland, Indiana and 218 West Lincoln Street, Portland,
Indiana.  The main office and one of the branches are owned by the Bank.  The
remaining branch is located in leased premises.

LITIGATION

     There is no pending litigation of a material nature in which Jay Financial
or the Bank is a party or in which any of their respective property is subject,
other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the normal business of Jay
Financial or the Bank.  Further, there is no material legal proceeding in which
any director, executive officer, principal shareholder or associate of any such
director, executive officer, principal shareholder or affiliate is a party or
has a material interest adverse to Jay Financial or the Bank.  None of the
ordinary routine litigation in which Jay Financial or the Bank is involved is
expected to have a material adverse impact upon the financial condition or
results of operation of Jay Financial or the Bank.

EMPLOYEES

     As of September 30, 1998, the Bank had 48 full-time equivalent employees
to whom it provides a variety of benefits.  Management of the Bank considers its
relations with its employees to be good.  As of the same date, Jay Financial had
three employees, one of whom is an executive officer of both Jay Financial and
the Bank and none of whom is separately compensated by Jay Financial for his
services to Jay Financial.

                                          39

MANAGEMENT

     The following table contains certain information about each director and
executive officer of Jay Financial as of the date of this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus:

DIRECTORS:
                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR           SERVED AS DIRECTOR
       NAME          AGE               LAST 5 YEARS               CONTINUOUSLY SINCE (1)
       ----          ---               ------------               ----------------------
                                                         
Barry J. Hudson     58     Chairman of the Board, Chief            1988      (1981)
                           Executive Officer and Investment
                           Officer, The First National Bank of
                           Portland; Chairman of the Board of
                           Mutual Security, Inc.

Bonnie Maitlen,     48     Training and Development                1988      (1985)
M.D.                       Consultant/Specialist

Greg Moser          46     Owner - Moser Engineering               1994      (1994)

Stephen R. Myron,   43     Administrator - Preferred Medical       1988      (1983)
M.D.                       Management

Sam Shoemaker       61     Director of Adult Education-Jay         1988      (1987)
                           County School System

Stanley Teeter      69     Owner - Baird Freeman Funeral Home      1988      (1983)

Gary L. Whitenack   50     Owner - Whitenack Farm & Supply Co.     1993      (1993)

(1)  Years in parenthesis relate to service as a director of the Bank.  All of
     Jay Financial's directors are also directors of the Bank.  The only other
     director of the Bank is John F. Brigham, age 66, who is the President of
     Mutual Security, Inc. and has been a director of the Bank since 1965.  Mr.
     Brigham is the only director of the Bank who is not a director of Jay
     Financial.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:

           NAME           AGE                           OFFICE
           ----           ---                           ------
                              
Barry J. Hudson           58        Chairman of the Board of Jay Financial
                                    since 1988 and Chairman of the Board, Chief
                                    Executive Officer and Investment Officer of
                                    the Bank since 1981

                                          40

James A. Meinerding       48        President and Chief Operations Officer of
                                    the Bank since 1998

Robert G. Bell            47        Executive Vice President, Chief Loan
                                    Officer and Investment Officer of the Bank
                                    since 1998

Chuck Huffman             41        Senior Vice President, Cashier, Chief Trust
                                    and Investment Officer of the Bank since
                                    1998

Jeff Whetstone            41        Chief Financial Officer and Loan Review
                                    Officer of the Bank since 1995

Stanley Teeter            69        Treasurer of Jay Financial since 1988 and
                                    Owner of Baird Freeman Funeral Home since
                                    1980

Stephen R. Myron, M.D.    43        Secretary of Jay Financial since 1988 and
                                    Administrator of Preferred Medical
                                    Management since 1988

     All of Jay Financial's directors and executive officers hold office for a
term of one year or until their respective successors are duly elected and
qualified.  There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the
directors or executive officers and any other persons according to which any of
Jay Financial's or the Bank's directors or executive officers have been selected
for their respective positions.

     In accordance with the Agreement, First Merchants shall cause all necessary
action to be taken to cause the current Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Bank, Barry J. Hudson, to either (i) be nominated for
election as a member of the First Merchants Board of Directors for a three year
term at the first annual meeting of First Merchants' shareholders following the
merger, or (ii) be appointed as a director at the Board's first meeting
following the completion of the merger.  As an appointed director, Mr. Hudson
would serve until the next annual meeting of the First Merchants shareholders
and then to be nominated for election to a three year term as Director.  The
timing of the merger's completion will dictate the option that is followed.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The following is a summary of the amount and percent of Jay Financial's
common stock beneficially owned on October 31, 1998, by each beneficial owner of
more than five percent of Jay Financial's common stock, by each director of Jay
Financial, by each executive officer of Jay Financial, and by all directors and
executive officers as a group.  Unless otherwise noted, the beneficial owner has
sole voting and investment power.

                                          41

                             AMOUNT AND NATURE
     BENEFICIAL OWNER     OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)      PERCENT OF CLASS
     ----------------     -----------------------          ----------------
                                                     
 Patsy J. Elick                     4,580 (2)                   5.59%

 Barry J. Hudson                   54,879 (3)                   67.01%

 Bonnie Maitlen, M.D.                 472 (4)                     *

 James A. Meinderding                 336                         *

 Greg Moser                           517                         *

 Stephen R. Myron, M.D.               840                       1.03%

 Sam Shoemaker                        556 (5)                     *

 Stanley Teeter                       572                         *

 Gary L. Whitenack                    420                         *

 Mutual Security, Inc.             20,916 (6)                   25.54%

 Directors and Executive           58,592                       71.54%
 Officers as a Group (8
 Individuals)

(1)  The information contained in this column is based upon information
     furnished to Jay Financial by the persons and entities named above and
     shareholder records of Jay Financial.

(2)  Patsy J. Elick's mailing address is 405 East High Street, Portland, IN
     47371.

(3)  Includes 19,076 shares held jointly with his spouse, Elizabeth Hudson; 201
     shares held by his minor son, Aaron Eugene Hudson; 201 shares held by his
     minor daughter, Mary Catherine Hudson; and 20,916 shares held by Mutual
     Security, Inc. over which he has sole voting and investment power. Mr.
     Hudson's mailing address is 112 West Main Street, Portland, IN 47371.

(4)  Includes 472 shares held jointly with her spouse, Gary Maitlen.

(5)  Includes 556 shares held jointly with his spouse, Sue Shoemaker.

                                          42

(6)  Includes 3,250 Class A voting shares and 17,666 Class B non-voting shares.
     All such shares are entitled to be voted in connection with the merger and
     are included in the shares beneficially owned by Barry J. Hudson.  Mutual
     Security, Inc.'s mailing address is 108 East Main Street, Portland, IN
     47371.

  *  Percentage beneficially owned is less than 1% of the outstanding shares.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     Certain directors and executive officers of Jay Financial and the Bank are
customers of and have had transactions with Jay Financial or the Bank from time
to time in the ordinary course of business.  Similar transactions may be
expected to take place in the ordinary course of business in the future.  All
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 do not involve more than the
normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

                                          43

                 JAY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REVIEWS THE CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION OF JAY FINANCIAL AND ITS SUBSIDIARY, THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF PORTLAND.  THIS DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, NOTES THERETO AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PRESENTED THEREIN WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.

CERTAIN STATEMENTS IN THIS SECTION CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS"
WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SECTION 21E OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.  SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN
AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL
RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF JAY FINANCIAL TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM
ANY FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.

Jay Financial is a one-bank holding company located in Portland, Indiana, and
conducts business from three offices of The First National Bank of Portland (the
"BANK") in Jay County, Indiana.  The Bank provides a wide range of commercial
and personal banking activities, including accepting deposits; making commercial
and consumer loans; originating mortgage loans; providing personal and corporate
trust services; and providing investment advisory and brokerage services.

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET INCOME

Jay Financial earned $1,461, or $17.84 per share for 1997 compared to $1,671, or
$20.40 per share for 1996.  Net interest income increased during 1997; however,
this increase was more than offset by decreases in noninterest income and
increases in noninterest expenses.

Return on average assets (ROA) was 1.42% and 1.70% for 1997 and 1996,
respectively, while return on average equity (ROE) was 11.25% and 14.44% for
those same periods.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income is the most significant component of Jay Financial's
earnings.  Net interest income is the difference between interest and fees
realized on earning assets, primarily loans and securities, and interest paid on
deposits and other borrowed funds.  The net interest margin is this difference
expressed as a percentage of average earning assets.  Net interest income is
determined by several factors, including the volume of earning assets and
liabilities, the mix of earning assets and liabilities, and interest rates.  For
1997 and 1996, net interest income was $4,624 and $4,479, respectively.  This
represents a $145, or 3.2% increase over the prior year.  The increase in net
interest income during 1997 is primarily attributable to the higher loan volume
generated by Jay Financial.

                                          44

Total interest income for 1997 was $374, or 4.7% greater than for 1996.
Interest and fees on loans increased $556, or 8.0%, to $7,530 for 1997, compared
to $6,974 for 1996.  Growth in Jay Financial's loan portfolio accounted for the
increase in total interest income, as average loan balances were approximately
$8,517, or 11.7% higher in 1997 compared to 1996.  Partially offsetting the
growth in loan interest income, was a decrease in interest income on securities
and other investments (federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances with
banks).  This decrease occurred as securities and other investments were used to
partially fund the loan growth, resulting in a decrease in the average balances
of securities and other investments of $4,282 in 1997 compared to 1996.

Total interest expense for 1997 increased $229, or 6.5%, compared to 1996.  The
increase was primarily attributable to increased borrowings, as average
borrowings increased approximately $2,786, or 359.0% during 1997.  Deposits did
not grow significantly, resulting in the use of borrowings to help fund the loan
growth.

See Tables 2 and 3 for an analysis of Jay Financial's net interest income (on a
tax-equivalent basis) for 1997 and 1996.

Net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, for 1997 was $121, or 2.6%
higher than for 1996. The net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis for
1997 and 1996 was 4.98% and 5.08%, respectively.  The net interest margin
remains strong, however it declined during 1997 and the increase in net interest
income was modest.  Although loan growth was experienced, the average rate on
loans declined 32 basis points and the average rate on earning assets declined 3
basis points.  In addition, a general increase in the cost of funds coupled with
the increase in borrowings resulted in an increase in the average rate on
interest-bearing liabilities of 12 basis points.  The net decline in interest
rate spread of 15 basis points offset the growth in loans to moderate the growth
in net interest income and cause the decline in net interest margin.
Contributing to the decrease in the rate on loans and in net interest margin was
approximately $100 of loan interest income recovery recorded in 1996.  A bit
over one half of the 32 basis point decline in rate on loans is attributable to
this 1996 loan interest income recovery.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES AND ASSET QUALITY

The provision for loan losses represents charges made to earnings to maintain an
adequate allowance for loan losses.  The allowance is maintained at an amount
believed by management to be sufficient to absorb losses inherent in the credit
portfolio.  Management conducts, on a quarterly basis, a detailed evaluation of
the adequacy of the allowance.

See Table 4 for a summary of the activity in and composition of the allowance
for loan losses.  The provision for loan losses was $240 for 1997 and $281 for
1996.  A lower provision was required as a result of decreased net charge-offs.
Net charge-offs were $170 and $365 for 1997 and 1996, respectively.  The
decrease in net charge-offs was primarily attributable to the fact that 1996
charge-offs included one large commercial loan charge-off of approximately $190,
while two large commercial loan recoveries were recorded in 1997.  The allowance
for loan losses substantially kept pace with loan growth as the allowance at
year end 1997 was $992, or 1.17% of total loans compared to $922, or 1.19% of
total loans at year end 1996.

                                          45

Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, and loans
delinquent 90 days or more.  Loans are classified as nonaccrual when management
believes that collection of interest is doubtful, typically when payments are
past due 90 days, unless the loans are well secured and in the process of
collection.

See Table 5 for a summary of nonperforming loans.  Nonperforming loans were very
stable between 1997 and 1996, while the growth in the allowance provided an
increased level of coverage of allowance as a percentage of nonperforming loans.

Impaired loans are those loans for which full payment in accordance with the
contractual terms is not expected.  See Note 1 and Note 4 to Jay Financial's
consolidated financial statements included in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus
(the "Consolidated Financial Statements") regarding information on Jay
Financial's impaired loans.  Impaired loans decreased to $563 at year end 1997
from $980 at year end 1996.

Management designates certain loans for internal monitoring purposes in a watch
category.  Loans may be placed on management's watch list as a result of
delinquent status, concern about the borrower's financial condition or the value
of the collateral securing the loan, substandard classification during
regulatory examinations, or simply as a result of management's desire to monitor
more closely a borrower's financial condition and performance.  Watch category
loans may include loans with loss potential that are still performing and
accruing interest and may be current under the terms of the loan agreement;
however, management may have a significant degree of concern about the
borrowers' ability to continue to perform according to the terms of the loan.
Loss exposure on these loans is typically evaluated based primarily upon the
estimated liquidation value of the collateral securing the loan.  Also, watch
category loans may include credits which, although adequately secured and
performing, reflect a past delinquency problem or unfavorable financial trends
exhibited by the borrower.

At December 31, 1997, Jay Financial had a total of $1,015 of loans on its watch
list which were not included in impaired or nonperforming loans.

NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

See Table 6 for an analysis of changes in noninterest income and expense.

Noninterest income decreased $157, or 18.6% to $689 compared to the prior year.
This was primarily due to decreases in trust income and other noninterest
income.  Trust income declined $25 in 1997 compared to 1996 due to one-time
increased trust billings in 1996.  Trust income is generally recorded on a cash
basis, which materially approximates the accrual basis; however, in 1996 certain
trust billings were changed from billing in arrears to advance billings.  Other
noninterest income decreased $143, or 29.5% in 1997.  The decrease in
noninterest income was primarily due to a 1996 recovery on an unrecorded loan.

Total noninterest expense for 1997 was $361, or 14.5% higher than the prior
year.

Salaries and employee benefits for 1997 were $1,551, a $176, or 12.8% increase
from the 1996 amount.  Salaries increased $79 due to annual raises and an
increase of two full-time equivalent employees.  401(k) contribution expense
increased $42, as a new matching contribution

                                          46

percentage was in effect for the first full year in 1997, and $23 was expensed
to correct for an error in prior year matching contributions.

Premises and equipment expense increased $59, or 17.2% in 1997.  The increase
was due to increased depreciation expense, as a result of fixed asset
expenditures over the past two years, primarily related to remodeling and data
processing.

Other noninterest expenses increased $126, or 16.5% in 1997.  Legal expense
increased $28 due to settlement of litigation during 1997.  Credit card
processing expense increased $36 due to increased merchant processing activity.
Other real estate expenses increased $33 due to the payment of significantly
past due property taxes on a foreclosed property during 1997.

INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes was stable as a percent of income before income
taxes for 1997 and 1996.  The effective income tax rate for 1997 and 1996 was
34.5% and 34.8%, respectively.  Further tax information regarding Jay Financial
can be found in Note 1 and Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets were $104,977 at year end 1997 compared to $101,679 at year end
1996, an increase of $3,298, or 3.2%.  Increases were realized in loans and cash
value of life insurance, partially offset by decreases in cash and cash
equivalents and securities.

Cash value of life insurance increased as new policies were purchased to fund
increased retirement benefits to certain officers.  See Note 12 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding Jay Financial's
benefit plans.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased during 1997 primarily as a result of the
need to fund loan growth.  See the consolidated statement of cash flows and the
Liquidity and Rate Sensitivity discussion for more information on cash and cash
equivalents.

SECURITIES

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Table 7 for information
about Jay Financial's securities.  Jay Financial classifies all securities as
available for sale, except small issues of states and political subdivisions.

During 1997, securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity declined by
$2,677 as Jay Financial funded its loan growth.  No significant changes in the
composition of securities occurred since the prior year.

                                          47

LOANS

See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Table 8 for information
about Jay Financial's loan portfolio.

Loans increased $7,406 or 9.6% from year end 1997 to year end 1996.  This growth
occurred primarily in commercial and commercial real estate loans, accounting
for $4,802 of the increase in loans.  The majority of this increase occurred in
loans dependent on the agriculture industry, as agriculture loans increased to
$17,136 at year end 1997 from $13,429 at year end 1996.  Residential real estate
loans also grew during 1997, increasing $2,867 or 10.6%.  Management believes
this level of loan growth is relatively consistent with the demand in the Bank's
market and the Bank's relative market share.

DEPOSITS

See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Tables 2 and 9 for more
information about Jay Financial's deposits.  Jay Financial's average deposits
for 1997 were very stable compared to 1996.  However, total deposits at year end
1997 were $3,549, or 4.1% less than year end 1996.  Management attributes the
majority of the decrease in year end deposits to the timing of outflows of
public fund deposits and large certificates of deposit.  However, during 1997 a
trend of lower deposit growth than loan growth continued, resulting in the need
to borrow funds.

BORROWINGS

At year end 1997 short-term borrowings increased $1,508, or 236.7%, and FHLB
advances increased $3,800, or 380.0% from year end 1996.  The increase in
borrowings was used to fund loan growth in the absence of growth in deposits.
See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on Jay
Financial's FHLB advances.

CAPITAL

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital guidelines as required by
federal banking agencies.  These guidelines define the various components of
core capital and assign risk weights to various categories of assets.

Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders' equity excluding unrealized gains and
losses on securities available for sale, as defined by bank regulators.  The
definition of Tier 2 capital includes the amount of allowance for loan losses
which does not exceed 1.25% of gross risk weighted assets.  Total capital is the
sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.

The minimum requirements under the capital guidelines are generally at least a
4.00% leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital divided by average assets excluding
unrealized gains/losses), a 4.00% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (Tier 1
capital divided by risk-weighted assets), and a 8.00% total capital ratio (Tier
1 capital plus Tier 2 capital divided by risk-weighted assets).

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA)
requires federal regulatory agencies to define capital tiers.  These are:
well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly
undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.  Under these

                                          48

regulations, a "well-capitalized" institution must achieve a Tier 1 risk-based
capital ratio of at least 6.00%, and a total capital ratio of at least 10.00%,
and a leverage ratio of at least 5.00% and not be under a capital directive
order.  Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that
could have a direct material effect on Jay Financial's financial statements.  If
only adequately capitalized,  regulatory approval is required to accept brokered
deposits.  If undercapitalized, capital distributions, asset growth, and
expansion is limited, in addition to the institution being required to submit a
capital restoration plan.

Management believes the Bank met all the capital requirements as of December 31,
1997, and was well-capitalized under the guidelines established by the banking
regulators.  To be well-capitalized, the Bank must maintain the prompt
corrective action capital guidelines described above.

At December 31, 1997, management was not aware of any current recommendations by
banking regulatory authorities which, if they were to be implemented, would
have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on Jay Financial's
consolidated liquidity, capital resources or operations.

The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in Note 11 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND RATE SENSITIVITY

Liquidity refers to the availability of funds to meet deposit withdrawals and
borrowing repayments, fund loan commitments and pay expenses.  Jay Financial has
many sources of liquid funds, including cash and cash equivalents, payments and
maturities of loans and securities, growth in deposits, and net income.  In
addition, Jay Financial has the ability to sell securities available for sale,
and Jay Financial may borrow from the Federal Reserve and the Federal Home Loan
Bank.

The consolidated statement of cash flows and Table 10 illustrate the sources and
uses of Jay Financial's cash and cash equivalents.  During 1997, average loans
increased $8,517.  This loan increase was funded approximately one half by
decreases in securities and other investments, approximately one third by
increased borrowings, and the remainder by decreases in cash balances.

Management believes Jay Financial has sufficient liquidity to meet reasonable
borrower, depositor, and creditor needs in the present economic environment.
Jay Financial has not received any recommendations from regulatory authorities
which would materially affect liquidity, capital resources or operations.

Jay Financial's interest rate sensitivity position is influenced by the timing
of the maturity or repricing of interest earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities.  One method of gauging sensitivity is by a static gap analysis, as
presented in Table 11.  Rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference
between the repricing of interest earning assets and the repricing of interest
bearing liabilities within certain defined time frames.  Rising interest rates
are likely to increase net interest income in a positive gap position, while
declining rates are likely to be beneficial in a negative gap position.

                                          49

As seen in Table 11, the Bank has a negative cumulative gap position for all
time periods except the over five year category.  This would suggest that the
Bank may earn more net interest income if rates fall, or less net interest
income if rates rise.  However, a limitation of the traditional static gap
analysis is that it does not consider the timing or magnitude of noncontractual
repricing.  In addition, the static gap analysis treats demand and savings
deposits as repriceable within the earliest time category due to the lack of
contractual maturity; however, experience suggests that these deposits are
actually somewhat resistant to rate sensitivity.  As a practical matter, the
Bank has the ability to adjust rates on deposit accounts in an effort to achieve
a neutral interest rate sensitivity position.

INFLATION

The effects of price changes and inflation on a financial institution vary
considerably from an industrial organization.  Changes in interest rates, rather
than changes in the prices of goods and services, is the primary determinant of
profitability of a financial institution.  Inflation affects the growth of total
assets, but it is difficult to assess its impact because neither the timing nor
the magnitude of the changes in the consumer price index directly coincide with
changes in interest rates.  During periods of high inflation there are normally
corresponding increases in the money supply.  During such times financial
institutions often experience above average growth in loans and deposits.  Also,
general increases in the price of goods and services will result in increased
operating expenses.  Over the past few years the rate of inflation has been
relatively low, and its impact on the growth in the balance sheets and increased
levels of income and expense has been nominal.

YEAR 2000

Jay Financial's Board of Directors and management is aware of the possible
consequences the Year 2000 may pose with regard to the computer systems utilized
to conduct business on a daily basis.  A "Year 2000 Committee" prepared a
detailed plan to address this issue.  Prior to the pending merger, replacement
and testing of specific system applications and hardware was scheduled to be
completed by the end of 1998.  However, due to the pending merger Jay Financial
now plans to convert its mission critical systems to First Merchants' systems,
which is expected to occur early in the second quarter of 1999.  Jay Financial's
contingency plan in the event the merger does not occur is to proceed with the
previously planned system upgrade with the current system vendor.  Certain other
systems that are not dependent upon the merger are expected to be Year 2000
compliant by year end 1998.  Jay Financial has communicated with customers to
promote awareness of the Year 2000 issue, and a risk assessment process has also
been implemented to evaluate the Year 2000 preparedness of certain significant
commercial borrowers of Jay Financial.

Management does not believe the remaining necessary steps involved to resolve
this issue will significantly impair the organization's ability to operate and
conduct business in a normal fashion, and Jay Financial does not expect the
total cost to address this issue to be significant to operations.

                                          50

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND 1997

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET INCOME

Jay Financial earned $387, or $4.73 per share for the third quarter of 1998
compared to $371, or $4.53 per share for the third quarter of 1997.  Net income
increased $6, or 0.6% to $1,090 for the nine month period ending September 30,
1998 compared to the same period in 1997.  Net income per share was $13.31 and
$13.24 for the nine month period ending September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.  Net interest income increased during the period; however, this
increase was largely offset by decreases in trust income and service charge
income, as well as increased noninterest expenses, such as salaries and employee
benefits.

Annualized return on average assets (ROA) was 1.37% and 1.42% for the periods
ending September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively, while annualized return on
average equity (ROE)  was 10.25% and 11.29% for those same periods ending
September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

NET INTEREST INCOME

For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, net interest income was
$3,518 and $3,447, respectively.  This represents a $71, or 2.1% increase over
the prior year.  Net interest income for the third quarter of  1998 was $54, or
4.6% higher than for the same 1997 period.  The increase in net interest income
during 1998 is primarily attributable to the continued growth in loans.

Total interest income increased $201, or 3.2% for the nine month period ending
September 30, 1998, and $100, or 4.7% for the third quarter of 1998.  Interest
and fees on loans increased $275, or 4.9%, to $5,853 for the first nine months
of 1998, compared to $5,578 for the first nine months of 1997.  For the third
quarter of 1998, interest and fees on loans increased $103, or 5.3% compared to
the third quarter of 1997.  Growth in Jay Financial's loan portfolio continued
to account for the majority of the increase in total interest income, as average
loan balances were approximately $5,496, or 6.9% higher for the nine months
ended September 1998 compared to 1997.  The increase in loan interest income was
partially offset by a decline in interest income on securities.  Average
securities balances declined by $3,443 for the nine months ended September 1998
compared to 1997, as proceeds from sales, maturities and payments on securities
were used to help fund loan growth.

Total interest expense increased $130, or 4.7% for the nine month period ending
September 30, 1998, and $46, or 4.8% for the third quarter of 1998.  The
increase was primarily attributable to increased long-term debt, as average long
term debt increased $2,583, or 125.5% for the nine month period ended September
1998.  Average deposits did not change significantly during 1998, resulting in
the use of long-term borrowings to help fund loan growth.

                                          51

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES AND ASSET QUALITY

See Table 4 for a summary of the activity in and composition of the allowance
for loan losses, and see Table 5 for a summary of nonperforming assets.  The
provision for loan losses was $180 for the first nine months of both 1998 and
1997, and $60 for the third quarter of both 1998 and 1997.  The allowance for
loan losses at September 30, 1998 was $900, or 1.02% of total loans compared to
$992, or 1.17% of total loans at December 31, 1997.  The allowance as a
percentage of loans has declined; however, the level of nonperforming loans also
declined by $456, or 59.0%, and the allowance as a percent of nonperforming
loans more than doubled to 283.9%.  Net charge-offs were $272 and $121 for the
first nine months of 1998 and 1997, respectively.  Management believes this
increase is primarily attributable to two large commercial loan recoveries
recorded in 1997, rather than an adverse trend in the overall portfolio.

NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

Noninterest income totaled $582 for the first nine months of 1998, compared to
$523 for that same period of 1997, an increase of $59, or 11.3%.  Noninterest
income for the third quarter increased $8, or 4.3% to $196 compared to the prior
year.

Other noninterest income increased for both the first nine months and the third
quarter of 1998.  Nearly two-thirds of the increase was attributable to
increased earnings on the cash value of life insurance, as a result of the
additional life insurance purchases in 1997.  The remaining increase was split
nearly evenly between increased ATM fees related to new ATM surcharges
implemented in late 1997, and merchant charge card fees related to increased
merchant activity.

Partially offsetting the increase in other noninterest income was a decrease in
trust income for both the first nine months and the third quarter of 1998.
Trust fees declined as a decline in the volume of estate accounts was
experienced.  In addition, service charges on deposit accounts decreased
slightly for the first nine months of 1998 and for the third quarter of 1998.
The average deposit base was very stable between the applicable periods, and the
slight decrease in service charges is attributable to natural variations in
charges on a similar deposit base.

Noninterest expense totaled $2,241 for the first nine months of 1998, compared
to $2,133 for that same period of 1997, an increase of $108, or 5.1%.  Total
noninterest expense for the third quarter of 1998 was $28, or 3.8% higher than
the prior year.

Salary and employee benefits expense was $1,224 for the first nine months of
1998, an increase of $63, or 5.4%, from the $1,161 for the first nine months of
1997.  Total salaries and employee benefits for the third quarter of 1998 were
$393, a $18, or 4.8% increase from the 1997 amount.  While the number of
employees declined from 51 to 48 during 1998, this decline was more than offset
by a $50 incentive bonus related to achievement of various employee goals, and
the additional expense of increased officer retirement benefits.

Other noninterest expenses were $705 for the first nine months of 1998, an
increase of $38, or 5.7%, compared to $667 for the first nine months of 1997.
For the third quarter of 1998, other operating expenses increased $15, or 5.7%
from the prior year.  Increases in noninterest expense relate primarily to
increased merchant credit card processing costs and increased ATM

                                          52

processing costs.  The increased ATM processing costs related to a new debit 
card product, as well as vendor billing adjustments for ATM transaction 
processing.

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 1998 and 1997 was
35.1% and 34.6%, respectively.  The effective income tax rate for the third
quarter of 1998 and 1997 was 35.9% and 34.9%, respectively.  The increase in
effective tax rate for these periods was primarily attributable to the decline
in income on non-taxable securities.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets were $108,626 at September 30, 1998 compared to $104,977 at
December 31, 1997, an increase of $3,649, or 3.5%.  Increases of $2,129, and
$3,426 were realized in cash and cash equivalents, and net loans, respectively,
while securities decreased $2,353 for the first nine months of 1998.  Proceeds
from sales, maturities, and payments on securities were used to partially fund
loan growth during 1998, as average deposits were comparable to the prior year.
Other assets increased in 1998 due to the addition of other real estate acquired
in foreclosure of $350.

Average deposits during 1998 were very comparable to 1997.  However, by
September 30 total deposits had increased $5,270 from the prior year end,
primarily related to increased interest-bearing deposits.  Management attributes
the increased deposit level to the timing of inflows in public fund deposits, as
public funds increased $2,739 in 1998, and to slightly more aggressive pricing
on certificates of deposit, as certificates less than $100 increased by $2,754.
This period end increase in deposits, allowed for decreases in short-term debt
and FHLB advances of $1,946 and $1,000, respectively.

CAPITAL

Management believes the Bank met all the capital requirements as of September
30, 1998, and was well-capitalized under the guidelines established by the
banking regulators.

At September 30, 1998, management was not aware of any current recommendations
by banking regulatory authorities which, if they were to be implemented, would
have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on Jay Financial's
consolidated liquidity, capital resources or operations.

                                          53

The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following
table.

                                                                                                         Minimum Required
                                                                                                            To Be Well
                                                                             Minimum Required              Capitalized
                                                                               For Capital            Under Prompt Corrective
                                                    Actual                  Adequacy Purposes            Action Regulations
                                                    ------                  -----------------            ------------------
                                            Amount          Ratio         Amount          Ratio         Amount          Ratio
                                            ------          -----         ------          -----         ------          -----
September 30, 1998
- ------------------
                                                                                                      
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)   $ 15,159          19.1%        $ 6,350           8.0%        $ 7,938          10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)    14,259          18.0           3,175           4.0           4,763           6.0
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)          14,259          13.2           4,324           4.0           5,405           5.0

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity refers to the availability of funds to meet deposit withdrawals and
borrowing repayments, fund loan commitments and pay expenses.  Jay Financial has
many sources of liquid funds, including cash and cash equivalents, payments and
maturities of loans and securities, growth in deposits, and net income.  In
addition, Jay Financial has the ability to sell securities available for sale,
and Jay Financial may borrow from the Federal Reserve and the Federal Home Loan
Bank.

Jay Financial's consolidated statement of cash flows included in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus illustrates the sources and uses of Jay Financial's cash
and cash equivalents for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.
Including net income of $1,090, net cash from operating activities for the first
nine months of 1998 generated $1,167 of available cash.  Net cash from investing
activities utilized $1,280 of available cash, primarily as a result of funding
$3,606 in net loans, which exceeded the $2,386 of funds provided from the sales,
maturities and payments on securities.  The $5,270 increase in deposits, offset
by the net repayments on short-term borrowings and FHLB advances account for the
majority of the $2,242 in cash generated from financing activities.  Total cash
inflows for the nine month period in 1998 exceeded cash outflows by $2,129
resulting in a cash and cash equivalent balance of $4,563 at September 30, 1998.

Management believes Jay Financial has sufficient liquidity to meet reasonable
borrower, depositor, and creditor needs in the present economic environment.
Jay Financial has not received any recommendations from regulatory authorities
which would materially affect liquidity, capital resources or operations.

                                          54

                 TABLE 1 - JAY FINANCIAL FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
                   (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,        FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   1998        1997         1997        1996         1995        1994         1993
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     
           SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income - tax equivalent  (1)            $6,519      $6,364       $8,565      $8,215       $7,379      $6,481       $6,548
Interest expense                                  2,904       2,774        3,754       3,525        3,159       2,704        2,855
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income - tax equivalent (1)          3,615       3,590        4,811       4,690        4,220       3,777        3,693
Tax equivalent adjustment (1)                       (97)       (143)        (187)       (211)        (239)       (275)        (258)
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income                               3,518       3,447        4,624       4,479        3,981       3,502        3,435
Provision for loan losses                          (180)       (180)        (240)       (281)        (155)       (139)        (139)
Noninterest income                                  582         523          689         846          596         523          583
Noninterest expense                               2,241       2,133        2,844       2,483        2,423       2,258        2,134
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income before income taxes and cumulative
  effect of change in accounting principle        1,679       1,657        2,229       2,561        1,999       1,628        1,745
Income tax expense                                  589         573          768         890          645         476          553
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income before cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle                         1,090       1,084        1,461       1,671        1,354       1,152        1,192
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle                                -           -            -           -            -           -           53
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET INCOME                                       $1,090      $1,084       $1,461      $1,671       $1,354      $1,152       $1,245
                                                 ------      ------       ------      ------       ------      ------       ------
                                                 ------      ------       ------      ------       ------      ------       ------

              PER SHARE DATA  (2)
Income before cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle                        $13.31      $13.24       $17.84      $20.40       $16.53      $14.07       $14.56
Net income                                        13.31       13.24        17.84       20.40        16.53       14.07        15.20
Cash dividends                                     1.00        1.00         2.00        2.00         1.00        0.95         0.95
Shareholders' equity, end of year                179.11      162.61       166.39      149.89       131.49      108.82       103.17

         SELECTED ACTUAL YEAR-END BALANCES
Total assets                                   $108,626    $103,570     $104,977    $101,679      $92,492     $87,391      $84,907
Earning assets                                  101,565      98,101       98,284      95,356       85,530      80,136       78,168
Investment securities available-for-sale          9,621      12,192       11,898      14,352       16,473      21,598        2,753
Investment securities held-to-maturity              855         971          931       1,154        1,411       1,628       20,402
Loans                                            88,242      84,484       84,908      77,502       64,660      55,565       49,545
Allowance for loan losses                          (900)       (981)        (992)       (922)      (1,006)       (878)        (806)
Total deposits                                   88,872      83,685       83,602      87,151       80,829      76,213       74,739
Noninterest-bearing deposits                      5,205       4,508        5,441       7,040        6,660       6,555        5,532
Interest-bearing deposits                        83,667      79,177       78,161      80,111       74,169      69,658       69,207
Long-term borrowings                              3,800       3,800        4,800       1,000            0           0          568
Shareholders' equity                             14,669      13,318       13,627      12,276       10,769       8,912        8,449

                 SELECTED RATIOS
Loans to deposits                                99.29%     100.95%      101.56%      88.93%       80.00%      72.91%       66.29%
Return on average assets                          1.37%       1.42%        1.42%       1.70%        1.52%       1.37%        1.51%
Return on average equity                         10.25%      11.29%       11.25%      14.44%       13.70%      13.34%       15.82%
Dividends payout ratio                           10.03%      10.09%       11.23%       9.81%        6.06%       6.77%        6.27%
Leverage capital ratio (3)                       13.19%      12.52%       12.54%      12.32%       11.38%      10.02%       10.38%
Efficiency ratio (4)                             53.40%      51.86%       51.71%      44.85%       50.31%      52.51%       49.91%

                   OTHER DATA
Number of employees                                  48          51           51          49           44          42           42
Average common shares outstanding (2)            81,900      81,900       81,900      81,900       81,899      81,893       81,893
Cash dividends declared                             $82         $82         $164        $164          $82         $78          $78

(1) Net interest income has been presented on both a tax equivalent and non-tax
equivalent basis.  The tax equivalent basis was calculated using a 34% tax rate
for all periods presented.  The tax equivalent adjustment reverses the tax
equivalent basis in order to present net interest income in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), as reflected in the
consolidated financial statements.

(2) Per share data has been retroactively adjusted to reflect stock dividends.

(3) The leverage capital ratio is that of the Bank.  Jay Financial is not
required to calculate such ratio.

(4) The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the
sum of net interest income, on a fully tax equivalent basis, and noninterest
income.

                                          55

          TABLE 2 - JAY FINANCIAL AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
                                (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1997                                         1996
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           AVERAGE                       AVERAGE        AVERAGE                       AVERAGE
ASSETS                                     BALANCE       INTEREST        RATE           BALANCE       INTEREST          RATE
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
  Securities
    Taxable                                 $8,480           $496          5.85%        $10,108           $536          5.30%
    Non-taxable (1)                          6,286            476          7.57%          7,359            562          7.64%
    Federal funds sold                         635             38          5.98%          2,166            114          5.26%
    Interest-bearing balances with banks         -              -          0.00%            187              9          4.81%
    Unrealized loss on AFS securities          (48)             -          0.00%           (185)             -          0.00%
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total securities                      15,353          1,010          6.58%         19,635          1,221          6.22%
  Loans (1)(2)
    Commercial                              41,936          3,959          9.44%         38,060          3,746          9.84%
    Real estate                             28,474          2,447          8.59%         24,245          2,103          8.67%
    Installment and other consumer          10,756          1,149         10.68%         10,344          1,145         11.07%
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total loans                           81,166          7,555          9.31%         72,649          6,994          9.63%

  TOTAL EARNING ASSETS                      96,519          8,565          8.87%         92,284          8,215          8.90%
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NONINTEREST EARNING ASSETS
  Allowance for loan losses                   (945)                                      (1,007)
  Premises and equipment                     1,063                                        1,066
  Cash and due from banks                    2,542                                        2,632
  Accrued interest and other assets          3,405                                        3,190
                                          --------                                      -------
  TOTAL ASSETS                            $102,584                                      $98,165
                                          --------                                      -------
                                          --------                                      -------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
  Deposits
    Interest-bearing demand deposits       $20,631           $530          2.57%        $21,368           $533          2.49%
    Savings deposits                         6,945            196          2.82%          6,248            170          2.72%
    Time deposits                           51,913          2,810          5.41%         51,755          2,779          5.37%
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total interest-bearing deposits       79,489          3,536          4.45%         79,371          3,482          4.39%
  Borrowed funds
    Short-term borrowings                      812             46          5.67%            451             23          5.10%
    Long-term debt                           2,750            172          6.25%            325             20          6.15%
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total borrowed funds                   3,562            218          6.12%            776             43          5.54%
  TOTAL INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES        83,051         $3,754          4.52%         80,147         $3,525          4.40%
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NONINTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits        5,719                                        5,656
  Accrued interest and other liabilities       833                                          789
  Shareholders' equity                      12,981                                       11,573
                                          --------                                      -------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                  $102,584                                      $98,165
                                          --------                                      -------
                                          --------                                      -------

INTEREST MARGIN RECAP
  NET INTEREST INCOME AND
    INTEREST RATE SPREAD                                   $4,811          4.35%                        $4,690          4.50%
                                                         --------        -------                      --------        -------
                                                         --------        -------                      --------        -------
  NET INTEREST INCOME MARGIN                                               4.98%                                        5.08%
                                                                         -------                                      -------
                                                                         -------                                      -------

(1)  Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a
     tax equivalent basis using a marginal federal income tax rate of 34% for
     all years.

(2)  Nonaccrual loans are included in average loan balances and loan fees are
     included in interest income.  Loan fees were $61 and $98 for 1997 and 1996.

                                          56

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     TABLE 3 - JAY FINANCIAL VOLUME/RATE ANALYSIS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                          1997-1996
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                           Change       Change
                                             Total         Due To       Due To
INTEREST INCOME                             Change         Volume         Rate
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                               
Loans                                         $561           $799        $(238)
Securities
  Taxable                                      (40)           (85)          45
  Tax-exempt                                   (86)           (81)          (5)
Interest-bearing balances with banks            (9)            (9)           -
Federal funds sold                             (76)           (90)          14
                                           ------------------------------------

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME                          350            534         (184)
                                           ------------------------------------

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest-bearing DDA                            (3)           (19)          16
Savings deposits                                26             19            7
Time deposits                                   31              9           22
Short-term borrowings                           23             20            3
Long-term borrowings                           152            152            -
                                           ------------------------------------

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                         229            181           48
                                           ------------------------------------

NET INTEREST INCOME                           $121           $353        $(232)
                                            ------         ------      -------
                                            ------         ------      -------

                                          57

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TABLE 4 - JAY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1998           1997           1997           1996
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                               $992           $922           $922         $1,006

LOANS CHARGED-OFF
  Commercial                                                 (234)          (200)          (224)          (300)
  Real estate-residential                                       0              0              0            (24)
  Consumer                                                   (126)           (80)          (116)           (82)
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL CHARGE-OFFS                                  (360)          (280)          (340)          (406)
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------

CHARGE-OFFS RECOVERED
  Commercial                                                    6            116            118              7
  Real estate-residential                                      35              5              5              3
  Consumer                                                     47             38             47             31
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL RECOVERIES                                     88            159            170             41
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------

Net loans charged-off                                        (272)          (121)          (170)          (365)
Current year provision                                        180            180            240            281
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------

BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD                                     $900           $981           $992           $922
                                                             ----           ----           ----           ----
                                                             ----           ----           ----           ----

Loans at period end                                       $88,242        $84,484        $84,908        $77,502

Ratio of allowance to loans at period
   end                                                      1.02%          1.16%          1.17%          1.19%

Average loans                                             $85,732        $80,235        $81,166        $72,649

Ratio of net loans charged-off to
   average loans                                            0.32%          0.15%          0.21%          0.50%

                                          58

                                                                      ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
                                                                              (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1998           1997           1997           1996

                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              
Commercial                                                   $692           $790           $753           $733
Real estate-residential                                       116             89            110             98
Consumer                                                       70             67             64             71
Unallocated                                                    22             35             65             20
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                        $900           $981           $992           $922
                                                             ----           ----           ----           ----
                                                             ----           ----           ----           ----

                                                                          COMPOSITION OF LOAN PORTFOLIO
                                                                              (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1998           1997           1997           1996

                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
Commercial                                                 53.45%         52.58%         52.21%         51.01%
Real estate-residential                                    35.20%         34.75%         35.22%         34.89%
Consumer                                                   11.35%         12.66%         12.56%         14.10%
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                     100.00%        100.00%        100.00%        100.00%
                                                          -------        -------        -------        -------
                                                          -------        -------        -------        -------

                                          59

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     TABLE 5 - JAY FINANCIAL NONPERFORMING ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Dollars in Thousands)

                                       SEPTEMBER 30,             DECEMBER 31,
                                              1998           1997           1996
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                                
PRINCIPAL BALANCE
  Nonaccrual                                  $301           $736           $758
  90 days or more past due                      16             37             17
                                     -------------------------------------------

          TOTAL NONPERFORMING LOANS           $317           $773           $775
                                              ----           ----           ----
                                              ----           ----           ----
Nonperforming loans as a percent
   of loans                                  0.36%          0.91%          1.00%

Other real estate owned                       $350             $0            $10

OREO as a percent of loans                   0.40%          0.00%          0.01%

Allowance as a percent of
  nonperforming loans                      283.91%        128.33%        118.97%

                                          60

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 TABLE 6 - JAY FINANCIAL NONINTEREST INCOME & EXPENSE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                         % CHANGE
                                              1997       FROM '96         1996
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                              
NONINTEREST INCOME
Trust income                               $    90        (21.74%)     $   115
Service charges on deposit accounts            249         (2.73%)         256
Other                                          342        (29.48%)         485
Net gain on loan sales                           9        (10.00%)          10
Securities losses, net                          (1)       (95.00%)         (20)
                                     -------------------------------------------

          TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME            $689        (18.56%)        $846
                                              ----        -------         ----
                                              ----        -------         ----

                                                         % CHANGE
                                              1997       FROM '96         1996
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                             
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits            $  1,551         12.80%     $  1,375
Premises and equipment                         403         17.15%          344
Other                                          890         16.49%          764

          TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSE         $2,844         14.54%       $2,483
                                            ------         ------       ------
                                            ------         ------       ------

                                          61

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                TABLE 7 - JAY FINANCIAL SECURITIES MATURITY SCHEDULE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                   AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                   --------------------
                                            1 Year and Less      1 to 5 Years        5 to 10 Years        Over 10 Years
                                           -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------    Total
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE                         Balance     Rate    Balance     Rate    Balance     Rate    Balance     Rate    Balance
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                                                               
  U.S. Government & agencies                  $498     5.27%    $2,534     6.25%         -         -         -         -    $3,032
  States and political subdivisions (1)      1,641     7.11%     1,872     7.94%     1,106     7.73%         -         -     4,619
  Mortgage-backed                                -         -       357     6.21%       386     6.41%     2,411     6.63%     3,154
  Equity securities (2)                          -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -     1,093

                                           -------             -------             -------             -------             -------
          TOTAL AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE          $2,139              $4,763              $1,492              $2,411             $11,898
                                           -------             -------             -------             -------             -------
                                           -------             -------             -------             -------             -------

HELD-TO-MATURITY
  States and political subdivisions (1)        $75     6.70%      $701     7.35%      $155     8.59%        $0         -      $931

                                           -------             -------             -------             -------             -------
          TOTAL HELD-TO-MATURITY               $75                $701                $155                  $0                $931
                                           -------             -------             -------             -------             -------
                                           -------             -------             -------             -------             -------

(1) - Average rates were calculated on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal
federal income tax rate of 34%.

(2) - Equity securities have no stated maturity date.

                                          62

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       TABLE 8 - JAY FINANCIAL LOAN LIQUIDITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                     LOAN MATURITIES AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1 Year          1 - 5         Over 5
                                                         and Less          Years          Years          Total
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
Commercial                                                $10,740         $8,690        $24,902        $44,332

Real estate-residential                                       482          1,282         28,144         29,908

Consumer                                                      895          9,431            342         10,668
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL LOANS                                     $12,117        $19,403        $53,388        $84,908
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------

SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES

  Fixed rates                                             $11,954        $18,484        $11,328        $41,766

  Variable rates                                              163            919         42,060         43,142

                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL LOANS                                     $12,117        $19,403        $53,388        $84,908
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------

                                          63

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TABLE 9 - JAY FINANCIAL MATURITY RANGES OF TIME DEPOSITS
                 WITH BALANCES OF $100,000 OR MORE AT DECEMBER 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Dollars in Thousands)

                                              1997
                                    --------------
                                        
3 months or less                            $6,874
3 through 6 months                           3,969
6 through 12 months                            300
Over 12 months                               2,511
                                    --------------
          TOTAL                            $13,654
                                           -------
                                           -------

                                          64

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 TABLE 10 - JAY FINANCIAL FUNDING USES AND SOURCES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                             1997                          1996
                                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Increase/(decrease)
                                           Average   -------------------                Average
                                           Balance         Amount        Percent        Balance
                                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
FUNDING USES
  Loans, total                             $81,166         $8,517         11.72%        $72,649
  Taxable securities                         8,480         (1,628)       (16.11%)        10,108
  Tax-exempt securities                      6,286         (1,073)       (14.58%)         7,359
  Federal funds sold                           635         (1,531)       (70.68%)         2,166
  Interest-bearing balances                      -           (187)      (100.00%)           187

                                        -------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL USES                       $96,567         $4,098          4.43%        $92,469
                                           -------         ------          -----        -------
                                           -------         ------          -----        -------
FUNDING SOURCES
  Noninterest-bearing deposits              $5,719            $63          1.11%         $5,656
  Interest-bearing demand                   20,631           (737)        (3.45%)        21,368
  Savings deposits                           6,945            697         11.16%          6,248
  Time deposits                             51,913            158          0.31%         51,755
  Short-term borrowings                        812            361         80.04%            451
  Long-term borrowings                       2,750          2,425        746.15%            325

                                        -------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL SOURCES                    $88,770         $2,967          3.46%        $85,803
                                           -------         ------          -----        -------
                                           -------         ------          -----        -------

                                          65

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TABLE 11 - JAY FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                         AT DECEMBER 31, 1997

                                                           1 - 90       91 - 365          1 - 5
                                                             Days           Days          Years   Over 5 Years      Total
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------
                                                                                                     
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
  Loans                                                    $9,752        $20,552        $42,703        $11,901        $84,908

  Securities held-to-maturity
    Taxable                                                     0              0              0              0              -
    Tax-exempt                                                 75              0            701            155            931

  Securities available-for-sale
    Taxable                                                     0          2,110          3,243          1,926          7,279
    Tax-exempt                                              1,160            614          1,770          1,075          4,619
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------
      Total Securities                                      1,235          2,724          5,714          3,156         12,829

  Restricted stock                                              0              0              0            547            547

  Federal funds sold                                            0              0              0              0              -

                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------
TOTAL EARNING ASSETS                                      $10,987        $23,276        $48,417        $15,604        $98,284
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

  Interest-bearing demand deposits                        $21,302             $0             $0             $0        $21,302
  Savings deposits                                          7,062              0              0              0          7,062
  Time Deposits                                            12,370         18,109         19,318              0         49,797
  Short-term borrowings                                     2,145              0              0              0          2,145
  Long-term borrowings                                          0          1,000          3,800              0          4,800
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES                        $42,879        $19,109        $23,118             $0        $85,106
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------
                                                        ------------   ------------     --------- ------------   ------------

Rate sensitive gap                                        (31,892)         4,167         25,299         15,604         13,178
Rate sensitive cumulative gap                             (31,892)       (27,725)        (2,426)        13,178
Cumulative gap as a percentage of earning assets          (32.45%)       (28.21%)        (2.47%)        13.41%

                                          66

                             REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
                 OF FIRST MERCHANTS, JAY FINANCIAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

BANK HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION

     First Merchants and Jay Financial are registered as bank holding companies
and are subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board ("FEDERAL
RESERVE") under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC
ACT").  Bank holding companies are required to file periodic reports with and
are subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve.  The Federal Reserve
has issued regulations under the BHC Act requiring a bank holding company to
serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks.
Thus, it is the policy of the Federal Reserve that, a bank holding company
should stand ready to use its resources to provide adequate capital funds to its
subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity.  Additionally,
under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991
("FDICIA"), a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of
any subsidiary bank that may become "undercapitalized" (as defined in the
FDICIA) with the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary
with its appropriate federal banking agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount
equal to 5% of the institution's total assets at the time the institution became
undercapitalized, or (ii) the amount that is necessary (or would have been
necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all applicable capital
standards as of the time the institution fails to comply with such capital
restoration plan. Under the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve has the authority to
require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control
of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the
determination that such activity constitutes a serious risk to the financial
stability of any bank subsidiary.

     The BHC Act prohibits First Merchants and Jay Financial from doing any of
the following without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve:

     1.   Acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the
          outstanding shares of any class of voting stock or substantially all
          of the assets of any bank or savings association.

     2.   Merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.

     3.   Engaging in or acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of the
          outstanding shares of any class of voting stock of any company engaged
          in a nonbanking business unless such business is determined by the
          Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking.

The BHC Act does not place territorial restrictions on such nonbanking-related
activities.

CAPITAL ADEQUACY GUIDELINES FOR BANK HOLDING COMPANIES

     Bank holding companies are required to comply with the Federal Reserve's
risk-based capital guidelines.  These guidelines require a minimum ratio of
capital to risk-weighted assets of 8% (including certain off-balance sheet
activities such as standby letters of credit).  At least half of the total
required capital must be "Tier 1 capital," consisting principally of common

                                          67

shareholders' equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, a limited amount
of cumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interest in the equity
accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less certain goodwill items.  The
remainder may consist of a limited amount of subordinate debt and intermediate-
term preferred stock, certain hybrid capital instruments and other debt
securities, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of the
general loan loss allowance.

     In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the Federal Reserve has
adopted a Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio under which the bank holding company
must maintain a minimum level of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated
assets.  The ratio is 3% in the case of bank holding companies which have the
highest regulatory examination ratings and are not contemplating significant
growth or expansion.  All other bank holding companies are expected to maintain
a ratio of at least 1% to 2% above the stated minimum.

     The following are First Merchants' and Jay Financial's regulatory capital
ratios as of September 30, 1998:

                              First Merchants          Jay Financial
                              ---------------          -------------
                                                 
          Tier 1 Capital:     16.30%                   18.34%

          Total Capital:      17.24                    19.47

          Leverage Ratio:     11.94                    13.48

BANK REGULATION

     First Merchants Bank, The Union County National Bank  and The First
National Bank of Portland are national banks and are supervised, regulated and
examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC").  First
United Bank, Pendleton Banking Company and The Randolph County Bank are state
banks chartered in Indiana and are supervised, regulated and examined by the
Indiana Department.  In addition, three of First Merchants' subsidiaries,
Pendleton Banking Company, First United Bank and The Randolph County Bank, are
supervised and regulated by the FDIC.  Each regulator has the authority to issue
cease-and-desist orders if it determines that activities of the bank regularly
represent an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of law.

     Both federal and state law extensively regulate various aspects of the
banking business such as reserve requirements, truth-in-lending and truth-in-
savings disclosure, equal credit opportunity, fair credit reporting, trading in
securities and other aspects of banking operations.  Current federal law also
requires banks, among other things, to make deposited funds available within
specified time periods.

     Insured state-chartered banks are prohibited under FDICIA from engaging as
the principal in activities that are not permitted for national banks, unless
(i) the FDIC determines that the activity would pose no significant risk to the
appropriate deposit insurance fund, and (ii) the bank is, and continues to be,
in compliance with all applicable capital standards.

                                          68

BANK CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

     The FDIC and the OCC have adopted risk-based capital ratio guidelines to
which state-chartered banks and national banks are subject.  The guidelines
establish a framework that makes regulatory capital requirements more sensitive
to differences in risk profiles.  Risk-based capital ratios are determined by
allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet commitments to four risk-
weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for the
categories perceived as representing greater risk.

     Like the capital guidelines established by the Federal Reserve, these
guidelines divide a bank's capital into tiers.  Banks are required to maintain a
total risk-based capital ratio of 8%.  The FDIC or OCC may, however, set higher
capital requirements when a bank's particular circumstances warrant.  Banks
experiencing or anticipating significant growth are expected to maintain capital
ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the minimum levels.

     In addition, the FDIC and the OCC established guidelines prescribing a
minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets as
specified in the guidelines).  These guidelines provide for a minimum Tier 1
leverage ratio of 3% for banks that meet specified criteria, including that they
have the highest regulatory rating and are not experiencing or anticipating
significant growth.  All other banks are required to maintain a Tier 1 leverage
ratio of 3% plus an additional 100 to 200 basis points.

     All of First Merchants' affiliate banks as well as The First National Bank
of Portland  exceed the risk-based capital guidelines of the FDIC and/or the OCC
as of September 30, 1998.

     The Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the OCC have adopted rules to incorporate
market and interest rate risk components into their risk-based capital
standards.  Amendments to the risk-based capital requirements, incorporating
market risk, became effective January 1, 1998. Under the new market risk
requirements, capital will be allocated to support the amount of market risk
related to a financial institution's ongoing trading activities.

FDICIA

     FDICIA requires, among other things, federal bank regulatory authorities to
take "prompt corrective action" with respect to banks which do not meet minimum
capital requirements.  For these purposes, FDICIA establishes five capital
tiers:  well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,
significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized.  The FDIC has
adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action provisions of
FDICIA.

     "Undercapitalized" banks are subject to growth limitations and are required
to submit a capital restoration plan.  A bank's compliance with such plan is
required to be guaranteed by the bank's parent holding company. If an
"undercapitalized" bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if
it is significantly undercapitalized.  "Significantly undercapitalized" banks
are subject to one or more  restrictions, including an order by the FDIC to sell
sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce
total assets and cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, and
restrictions on compensation of executive officers.  "Critically
undercapitalized" institutions may not, beginning 60 days after become
"critically undercapitalized," make any payment of principal or interest on
certain subordinated debt or

                                          69

extend credit for a highly leveraged transaction or enter into any transaction
outside the ordinary course of business.  In addition, "critically
undercapitalized" institutions are subject to appointment of a receiver or
conservator.

     As of  September 30, 1998, each bank subsidiary of First Merchants and Jay
Financial was "well capitalized" based on the "prompt corrective action" ratios
and deadlines described above.  It should be noted, however, that a bank's
capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying the OCC's (or
the FDIC's) "prompt corrective action" regulations and that the capital category
may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank's overall financial
condition or prospects.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE

     First Merchants' and Jay Financial's affiliated banks are insured up to
regulatory limits by the FDIC and, accordingly, are subject to deposit insurance
assessments to maintain the Bank Insurance Fund (the "BIF") and the Savings
Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") administered by the FDIC.  The FDIC has
adopted regulations establishing a permanent risk-related deposit insurance
assessment system.  Under this system, the FDIC places each insured bank in one
of nine risk categories based on (i) the bank's capitalization, and (ii)
supervisory evaluations provided to the FDIC by the institution's primary
federal regulator.  Each insured bank's insurance assessment rate is then
determined by the risk category in which it is classified by the FDIC.

     Effective January 1, 1997, the annual insurance premiums on bank deposits
insured by the BIF and the SAIF vary between $0.00 per $100 of deposits for
banks classified in the highest capital and supervisory evaluation categories to
$0.27 per $100 of deposits for banks classified in the lowest capital and
supervisory evaluation categories.

     The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 provides for assessments to be
imposed on insured depository institutions with respect to deposits insured by
the BIF and the SAIF (in addition to assessments currently imposed on depository
institutions with respect to BIF- and SAIF-insured deposits) to pay for the cost
of Financing Corporation ("FICO") funding. The FDIC established the FICO
assessment rates effective January 1, 1997 at $0.013 per $100 annually for BIF-
assessable deposits and $0.0648 per $100 annually for SAIF-assessable deposits.
The FICO assessments do not vary depending upon a depository institution's
capitalization or supervisory evaluations.

BROKERED DEPOSITS

     Under FDIC regulations, no FDIC-insured depository institution can accept
brokered deposits unless it (i) is well capitalized, or (ii) is adequately
capitalized and received a waiver from the FDIC.  In addition, these regulations
prohibit any depository institution that is not well capitalized from (a) paying
an interest rate on deposits in excess of 76 basis points over certain
prevailing market rates or (b) offering "pass through" deposit insurance on
certain employee benefit plan accounts unless it provides certain notice to
affected depositors.

                                          70

INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING

     Under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of
1994 ("RIEGLE-NEAL") subject to certain concentration limits, required
regulatory approvals and other requirements, (i) bank holding companies such as
First Merchants and Jay Financial are permitted to acquire banks and bank
holding companies located in any state; (ii) any bank that is a subsidiary of a
bank holding company is permitted to receive deposits, renew time deposits,
close loans, service loans and receive loan payments as an agent for any other
bank subsidiary of that holding company; and (iii) banks are permitted to
acquire branch offices outside their home states by merging with out-of-state
banks, purchasing branches in other states, and establishing de novo branch
offices in other states.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

     In addition to the matters discussed above, First Merchants' affiliate
banks and The First National Bank of Portland are subject to additional
regulation of their activities, including a variety of consumer protection
regulations affecting their lending, deposit and collection activities and
regulations affecting secondary mortgage market activities.

     The earnings of financial institutions are also affected by general
economic conditions and prevailing interest rates, both domestic and foreign,
and by the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States Government and its
various agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve.

     Additional legislation and administrative actions affecting the banking
industry may be considered by the United States Congress, state legislatures and
various regulatory agencies, including those referred to above.  It cannot be
predicted with certainty whether such legislation or administrative action will
be enacted or the extent to which the banking industry in general or First
Merchants and its affiliate banks in particular would be affected thereby.

                                          71

                              COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCK

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY COMPARISON OF FIRST MERCHANTS COMMON STOCK AND JAY
FINANCIAL COMMON STOCK INCLUDES ALL MATERIAL FEATURES OF SUCH STOCKS BUT DOES
NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
FIRST MERCHANTS' ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS AND JAY FINANCIAL'S
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS.

GOVERNING LAW

     The rights of holders of Jay Financial common stock who receive First
Merchants common stock in the merger will be governed by the Indiana Business
Corporation Law (the "IBCL"),  the state in which First Merchants is
incorporated, and by First Merchants' Articles of Incorporation ("FIRST
MERCHANTS' ARTICLES") and By-Laws.  The rights of Jay Financial shareholders are
governed by the IBCL, the state in which Jay Financial is incorporated, and by
Jay Financial's Articles of Incorporation ("JAY FINANCIAL'S ARTICLES") and
By-Laws.  The rights of Jay Financial shareholders differ in certain respects
from the rights they would have as First Merchants shareholders, including
certain anti-takeover measures, the vote percentage required for the amendment
of certain significant provisions of the articles of incorporation and for the
approval of certain significant corporate transactions.

AUTHORIZED BUT UNISSUED SHARES

     First Merchants' Articles authorizes the issuance of 20,000,000 shares of
common stock, of which 10,079,540 shares were outstanding as of November 30,
1998.  The remaining authorized but unissued shares of common stock may be
issued upon authorization of the Board of Directors of First Merchants without
prior shareholder approval.  First Merchants has 500,000 shares of preferred
stock authorized.  These shares are available to be issued, without prior
shareholder approval, in classes with relative rights, privileges and
preferences determined for each class by the Board of Directors of First
Merchants.  No shares of preferred stock have currently been issued.

     As of November 30, 1998, First Merchants had 162,977 shares of its common
stock reserved and remaining available for issuance under its Employee Stock
Purchase Plan and 34,829 shares of its common stock reserved and remaining
available for issuance under its Stock Options Plan.

     The issuance of additional shares of First Merchants common stock or the
issuance of First Merchants preferred stock may adversely affect the interests
of First Merchants shareholders.

     Jay Financial's Articles authorize the issuance of 540,000 shares of
common stock, 500,000 of which are Class A shares and 40,000 of which are Class
B shares.  Each outstanding share of Class A stock is entitled to one vote on
all matters to which shareholders are entitled to vote.  Class B stock is
"non-voting stock." However, the IBCL extends voting rights to Class B
shareholders in situations such as the merger.  Besides voting rights, the two
classes of stock are equal.  There are 64,234 shares of Class A stock issued and
outstanding and 17,666 shares of Class B stock issued and outstanding.

                                          72

PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

     As permitted by Indiana law, neither First Merchants' Articles nor Jay
Financial's Articles provide for preemptive rights to subscribe for any new or
additional First Merchants or Jay Financial shares of common stock.  Preemptive
rights may be granted to First Merchants or Jay Financial shareholders if First
Merchants' or Jay Financial's Articles are amended accordingly.

DIVIDEND RIGHTS

     The holders of common stock of First Merchants and Jay Financial are 
entitled to dividends and other distributions when, as and if declared by 
their respective Board of Directors.  With respect to First Merchants and Jay 
Financial, a dividend generally MAY NOT be paid if:

     1.   The corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due
          in the usual course of business; or

     2.   The corporation's total assets would be less than the sum of its total
          liabilities plus preferential rights of shareholders payable upon
          dissolution.

     The amount of dividends, if any, that may be declared by First Merchants 
in the future will necessarily depend upon many factors, including, without 
limitation, future earnings, capital requirements, business conditions and 
capital levels of subsidiaries (since First Merchants is primarily dependent 
upon dividends paid by its subsidiaries for revenues), the discretion of 
First Merchants' Board of Directors and other factors that may be appropriate 
in determining dividend policies.

     First Merchants' national bank subsidiaries and its Indiana-chartered
affiliate banks may pay dividends to First Merchants in cash on their common
stock only out of adjusted retained net profits for the year in which the
dividend is paid and the two preceding years.

     Dividends paid by First Merchants' affiliate banks will ordinarily be
restricted to a lesser amount than is legally permissible because of the need
for the banks to maintain adequate capital consistent with the capital adequacy
guidelines promulgated by the banks' principal federal regulatory authorities.
See "REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF FIRST MERCHANTS, JAY FINANCIAL AND
SUBSIDIARIES."  If a bank's capital levels are deemed inadequate by the
regulatory authorities, payment of dividends to its parent holding company may
be prohibited.   Neither First Merchants' present affiliate banks nor the Bank
is subject to such a restriction.

VOTING RIGHTS

     The holders of the outstanding shares of First Merchants common stock 
are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented for shareholder 
vote.  Jay Financial shares are divided into two classes, Class A and Class 
B. As described above, Class A shares may vote on all matters presented for 
shareholder approval. However, Class B shares generally are not entitled to 
vote.  Indiana law extends the Class B shareholders the right to vote on the 
merger.  Neither First

                                          73

Merchants shareholders nor Jay Financial shareholders have cumulative voting
rights in the election of directors.

     Indiana law generally requires that mergers, consolidations, sales, leases,
exchanges or other dispositions of all or substantially all of the assets of a
corporation be approved by a shareholder vote of a majority of votes entitled to
be cast at the shareholders meeting, subject to provision in the corporations'
articles of incorporation requiring a higher percentage vote.  First Merchants'
Articles provide that certain business combinations may, under certain
circumstances, require approval of more than a majority of the outstanding
voting shares of First Merchants common stock. See "COMPARISON OF COMMON
STOCK--Anti-Takeover Provisions."

     Indiana law requires shareholder approval for most amendments to a
corporation's articles of incorporation by a majority of a quorum at a
shareholder's meeting (and, in certain cases, a majority of all shares held by
any voting group entitled to vote).  Indiana law permits a corporation in its
articles of incorporation to prescribe a higher shareholder vote requirement for
certain amendments.  First Merchants' Articles require a super-majority
shareholder vote of seventy-five percent of the outstanding shares of common
stock for the amendment of certain significant provisions.  Jay Financial's
Articles require a majority vote to amend any provision.

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

     Jay Financial shareholders  possess dissenters' rights in connection with
certain mergers and other significant corporate actions.  Under Indiana law, a
shareholder is entitled to dissent from and obtain payment of the fair value of
the shareholder's shares in the following events:

     1.   Consummation of a plan of merger to which Jay Financial is a party, if
          shareholder approval is required and the shareholder is entitled to
          vote thereon.

     2.   Consummation of a plan of share exchange by which Jay Financial'
          shares will be acquired, if the shareholder is entitled to vote
          thereon.

     3.   Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all, the
          property of Jay Financial other than in the usual course of business,
          if the shareholder is entitled to vote thereon.

     4.   Approval of a control share acquisition under Indiana law; and

     5.   Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
          extent the articles of incorporation, by-laws or a resolution of the
          board of directors provides that voting or non-voting shareholders are
          entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

     First Merchants shareholders do not have dissenters' rights because its
shares are traded on the NASDAQ National Market System. With respect to
dissenters' rights of Jay Financial shareholders in connection with the merger,
see the discussion under "MERGER -- Rights of Dissenting Shareholders" and also
Appendix B.

                                          74

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS

     In the event of any liquidation or dissolution of First Merchants, its
shareholders  are entitled to receive pro rata, according to the number of
shares held, any assets distributable to shareholders, subject to the payment of
First Merchants' liabilities and any rights of creditors and holders of shares
of First Merchants preferred stock then outstanding.  In the event of any
liquidation or dissolution of Jay Financial, its shareholders are entitled to
receive pro rata, according to the number of shares held, any assets
distributable to shareholders, subject to the payment of Jay Financial's
liabilities and any rights of creditors.

ASSESSMENT AND REDEMPTION

     Under Indiana law, neither the shares of First Merchants common stock nor
of Jay Financial common stock are liable to further assessment.

     Under Indiana law, First Merchants may redeem or acquire shares of its
common stock with funds legally available therefor, and shares so acquired
constitute authorized but unissued shares.  First Merchants may not redeem or
acquire its shares of common stock if, after such redemption it would not be
able to pay its debts as they become due.  Additionally, First Merchants may not
redeem its shares if its total assets would be less than the sum of its total
liabilities plus preferential rights of shareholders payable upon dissolution.
Jay Financial has similar redemption rights under Indiana law.

     First Merchants and Jay Financial must give prior notice to the Federal
Reserve if the consideration to be paid by them for any redemption or
acquisition of their respective shares, when aggregated with the consideration
paid for all redemption or acquisitions for the preceding 12 months, equal or
exceeds 10% of the consolidated net worth of the company involved.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS

     The anti-takeover measures applicable to First Merchants and Jay Financial,
as described below, may have the effect of discouraging a person or other entity
to acquire control of either company.  These measures may have the effect of
discouraging certain tender offers for shares of either company's common stock
which might otherwise be made at premium prices or certain other acquisition
transactions which might be viewed favorably by a significant number of
shareholders.

     INDIANA LAW.  Under the business combinations provisions of the IBCL, any
10% shareholder of an Indiana corporation, with a class of voting shares
registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or which has
specifically adopted this provision in the corporation's articles of
incorporation, is prohibited for a period of  five years from completing a
business combination with the corporation unless, prior to the acquisition of
such 10% interest, the board of directors approved either the acquisition of
such interest or the proposed business combination.  Further, the corporation
and a 10% shareholder may not consummate a business combination unless all
provisions of the articles of incorporation are complied with and a majority of
disinterested shareholders approve the transaction or all shareholders receive a
price per share as determined by Indiana law.

                                          75

     An Indiana corporation may elect to remove itself from the protection
provided by the Indiana business combinations provision, but such an election
remains ineffective for 18 months and does not apply to a combination with a
shareholder who acquired a 10% ownership position prior to the election.  First
Merchants is covered by the business combinations provisions of the IBCL and Jay
Financial is not covered.  The constitutional validity of the business
combinations provisions of Indiana law has been upheld by the United States
Supreme Court.

     In addition to the business combinations provision, the IBCL also contains
a "control share acquisition" provision which, although different in structure
from the business combinations provision, may have a similar effect of
discouraging or making more difficult a hostile takeover of an Indiana
corporation.  This provision, however, also may have the effect of discouraging
premium bids for outstanding shares.  The IBCL provides that, unless otherwise
provided in the corporation's articles of incorporation or by-laws, certain
acquisitions of shares of the corporation's common stock will be accorded voting
rights only if a majority of the disinterested shareholders approves a
resolution granting the potential acquiror the ability to vote such shares.
Upon disapproval of the resolution, the shares held by the acquiror shall be
redeemed by the corporation at the fair market value of the shares as determined
by the control share acquisition provision.

     This provision does not apply to a plan of affiliation and merger if the
corporation complies with the applicable merger provisions and is a party to the
agreement of merger or plan of share exchange.  First Merchants is subject to
the control share acquisition provision.  Jay Financial is not.

     FIRST MERCHANTS' ARTICLES.  In addition to the protection afforded by the
IBCL, First Merchants' Articles provide that the directors of First Merchants
shall be divided into three classes, each serving three year terms with one
class to be elected at each annual meeting of shareholders.  First Merchants'
Articles provide that directors may be removed with or without cause by a 2/3rds
vote of the shares entitled to vote; provided, however, that if the Board by
2/3rds vote recommends removal of a director, that director may be removed by a
majority of the shares entitled to vote.

     First Merchants' Articles also require the approval of the holders of
3/4ths of the voting stock as a condition of certain business combinations
involving any shareholder holding more than 10% of the voting stock.  "Business
combinations" include,  but are not limited to, mergers, consolidations, sales,
leases, liquidations, dissolutions, certain reorganizations, and agreements
relating to the foregoing.    An exception exists if the transaction is approved
by a 2/3rds vote of the Board or the shareholders are to receive fair
consideration for their shares.  "Fair consideration" generally means, an
amount per share equal to the higher of (a) the highest per share price paid for
the stock in the two years preceding the business combination, and (b) the per
share book value for the stock.  In the event 2/3rds Board approval is obtained
or fair consideration is to be paid, then approval of the business combination
would only require the approval of the holders of 2/3rds of the voting stock.

                                          76

     The above referred to provision of First Merchants' Articles can be amended
only with the approval of 3/4ths of the voting stock.

     The existence of authorized but unissued common and preferred stock of
First Merchants may have an anti-takeover effect as the issuance of additional
First Merchants shares with sufficient voting power could have a dilutive effect
on its stock and may result in the defeat of an attempt to acquire control of
First Merchants.  The Board may issue shares of common stock and/or preferred
stock at any time without shareholder approval.  The relative rights,
preferences, limitations and restrictions attendant with the ownership of the
preferred stock would be determined by the Board prior to the issuance thereof.
The Board would determine whether any voting rights would attach to the
preferred stock.  The Board has no present plans to issue any preferred stock or
common stock other than in connection with the merger.  The issuance of
preferred or common stock in the future could result in the dilution of
ownership and control of First Merchants by common shareholders.  There is no
guarantee that current shareholders would have an opportunity to purchase any of
the preferred or common stock when and if it is issued since they do not have
preemptive rights.

     JAY FINANCIAL'S ARTICLES.  The existence of authorized but unissued shares
of  Jay Financial common stock may have an anti-takeover effect as the issuance
of additional Jay Financial shares with sufficient voting power could have a
dilutive effect on Jay Financial's stock and may result in the defeat of an
attempt to acquire control of the corporation.    The Board of Directors of Jay
Financial may issue shares of common stock at any time without shareholder
approval.  The Agreement prohibits the issuance by Jay Financial of additional
shares of common stock.

DIRECTOR LIABILITY

     Under the IBCL, a director of First Merchants or Jay Financial will not be
liable to shareholders for any action taken as a director, or any failure to
take any action, unless:

     1.   The director has breached or failed to perform his duties as a
          director in good faith with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a
          like position would exercise under similar circumstances and in a
          manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of
          the corporation; and

     2.   Such breach or failure to perform constitutes willful misconduct or
          recklessness.

                                   LEGAL OPINIONS

     Certain legal matters in connection with the Agreement will be passed upon
for First Merchants by the law firm of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman, 2700
Market Tower, 10 West Market Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 and for Jay
Financial by the law firm of Krieg, DeVault, Alexander and Capehart, One Indiana
Square, Suite 2800, Indianapolis, IN 46204.  Frank A. Bracken is of counsel with
Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman and a director of First Merchants.

                                          77

                                       EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements of First Merchants, incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus, have been audited by Olive, LLP,
independent public accountants, to the extent and for the periods indicated in
their report thereon, and have been so incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus in reliance upon such report of Olive, LLP given on the
authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

     The consolidated financial statements of Jay Financial included in this
Proxy Statement - Prospectus have been audited by Crowe, Chizek & Co. LLP,
independent public accountants, to the extent and for the periods indicated in
their report thereon, and have been so included in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus in reliance upon such report of Crowe, Chizek & Co. LLP
given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

                                    OTHER MATTERS

     The Special Meeting of Shareholders is called for the purposes set forth in
the Notice.  The Board of Directors of Jay Financial knows of no other matter
for action by shareholders at such Special Meeting other than the matters
described in the Notice.  However, the enclosed proxy will confer discretionary
authority with respect to matters which are not known to the Board of Directors
at the time of the printing thereof and which may properly come before the
Special Meeting.  It is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote
with respect to such matters in accordance with the recommendations of
management of Jay Financial.

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     First Merchants has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"COMMISSION") a Registration Statement under the Securities Act that registers
the distribution to Jay Financial shareholders of the shares of First Merchants
common stock to be issued in connection with the merger.  The Registration
Statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains additional
relevant information about Jay Financial and First Merchants common stock.  The
rules and regulations of the Commission allow First Merchants to omit certain
information included in the Registration Statement from this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.

     In addition, First Merchants files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  You
may read this information at the following locations of the Commission:

                                                          
     Public Reference Room        New York Regional Office         Chicago Regional Office
    450 Fifth Street, N.W.         7 World Trade Center               Citicorp Center
           Room 1024                     Suite 1300                500 West Madison Street
    Washington, D.C.  20549          New York, NY 10048                   Suite 1400
                                                                Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511

     You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  The public may obtain information
on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at
1-800-SEC-0330.

                                          78

     The Commission also maintains an Internet world wide web site that contains
reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like First
Merchants, who file electronically with the Commission.  The address of that
site is http://www.sec.gov.

     The Commission allows First Merchants to "incorporate by reference"
information into this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.  This means that it can
disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed
separately with the Commission.  The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be a part of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus, except for any
information that other information included directly in this document
supersedes.

     This Proxy Statement-Prospectus incorporates by reference the documents
listed below that First Merchants has previously filed with the Commission. They
contain important information about First Merchants and its financial condition.

First Merchants SEC Filings                  Period
- ---------------------------                  ------
                                          
Annual Report on Form 10-K . . . . . . .     Year ended December 31, 1997

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. . . . . .     Quarter ended March 31, 1998

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. . . . . .     Quarter ended June 30, 1998

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. . . . . .     Quarter ended September 30, 1998

Current Report on Form 8-K . . . . . . .     Dated August 11, 1998

The description of First Merchants common stock set forth in the registration
     statement filed by First Merchants pursuant to Section 12 of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including any amendment or report filed
     with the Commission for the purpose of updating such description.

     First Merchants incorporates by reference additional documents that it may
file with the Commission between the date of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus and
the date of the Jay Financial Special Meeting.  These documents include periodic
reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and
Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.

     First Merchants has supplied all information contained or incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus relating to First Merchants, as
well as all pro forma financial information, and Jay Financial has supplied all
such information relating to Jay Financial.

     You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this
document through First Merchants, or from the Commission through the
Commission's web site at the address described above. Documents incorporated by
reference are available from First Merchants without charge, excluding any
exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference as an exhibit in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.  You can obtain

                                          79

documents incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus by
requesting them in writing or by telephone from:

                            FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
                                   Larry R. Helms
                     Senior Vice President and General Counsel
                              200 East Jackson Street
                               Muncie, Indiana 47305
                                   (765) 747-1530

     If you would like to request documents, please do so by ___________, 1999
to insure timely delivery before the Special Meeting. If you request any
incorporated documents from us, we will mail them to you by first class mail, or
another equally prompt means, within one business day after we received your
request.

     WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION ABOUT THE MERGER OR OUR COMPANIES THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM, OR IN
ADDITION TO, THAT CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS OR IN ANY OF THE
MATERIALS THAT WE HAVE INCORPORATED INTO THIS DOCUMENT.  THEREFORE, IF ANYONE
DOES GIVE YOU INFORMATION OF THIS SORT, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT.  IF YOU ARE
IN A JURISDICTION WHERE OFFERS TO EXCHANGE OR SELL, OR SOLICITATIONS OF OFFERS
TO EXCHANGE OR PURCHASE, THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS DOCUMENT OR THE
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES IS UNLAWFUL, OR IF YOU ARE A PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO DIRECT THESE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES, THEN THE OFFER PRESENTED IN THIS
DOCUMENT DOES NOT EXTEND TO YOU.  THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT
SPEAKS ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS DOCUMENT UNLESS THE INFORMATION SPECIFICALLY
INDICATES THAT ANOTHER DATE APPLIES.

                              FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This Proxy Statement-Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements
with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, and business of
First Merchants and Jay Financial and of First Merchants following the
consummation of the merger, including statements relating to the cost savings
and revenue enhancements that are expected to be realized from the merger and
the expected impact of the merger on First Merchants' financial performance.
These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the
following possibilities: (i) expected cost savings from the merger cannot be
fully realized; (ii) deposit attrition, customer loss, or revenue loss following
the merger is greater than expected; (iii) competitive pressure in the banking
industry increases significantly; (iv) costs or difficulties related to the
integration of the businesses of First Merchants and Jay Financial are greater
than expected; (v) changes in the interest rate environment reduce margins; (vi)
general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, are less favorable
than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit
quality; (vii) changes occur in the regulatory environment; (viii) changes occur
in business conditions and inflation; (ix) changes occur in the securities
markets; and (x) disruptions of the operations of First Merchants, Jay Financial
or any of their subsidiaries, or any other governmental or private entity as a
result of the "Year 2000 Problem."  The forward-looking earnings estimates
included in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus have not been examined or

                                          80

compiled by the independent public accountants of First Merchants and Jay
Financial, nor have such accountants applied any procedures thereto.
Accordingly, such accountants do not express an opinion or any other form of
assurance on them.  Further information on other factors that could affect the
financial results of First Merchants after the merger is included in the
Commission filings incorporated by reference herein.  See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION."

                                          81

                           INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                                                                                 
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited) . . . . . .          F-2

     Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the
          Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . .          F-3

     Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the
          Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited). . . . . . . . . . . .          F-4

     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended
          September 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-5

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-6

     Report of Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-7

     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-8

     Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
          December 31, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-9

     Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
          for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-10

     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
          December 31, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-11

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          F-12

                                         F-1

                              JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                             CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (Dollars in thousands except share data)
                                     (Unaudited)

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

                                                                  September 30,       December 31,
                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                      ----                ----
                                                                                
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                                              $2,263              $2,434
Federal funds sold                                                    2,300                   -
                                                                   --------            --------
     Total cash and cash equivalents                                  4,563               2,434
Securities available-for-sale, at market                              9,621              11,898
Securities held-to-maturity, at cost (market value - $877
  and $954)                                                             855                 931
Restricted stock                                                        547                 547
Loans                                                                88,242              84,908
     Less: Allowance for loan losses                                   (900)               (992)
                                                                   --------            --------
Loans, net                                                           87,342              83,916
Premises and equipment, net                                             875               1,029
Accrued interest receivable                                           1,089                 939
Cash value of life insurance                                          2,944               2,844
Other assets                                                            790                 439
                                                                   --------            --------

                                                                   $108,626            $104,977
                                                                   --------            --------
                                                                   --------            --------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
     Deposits
     Noninterest-bearing deposits                                    $5,205              $5,441
     Interest-bearing deposits                                       83,667              78,161
                                                                   --------            --------
        Total deposits                                               88,872              83,602
     U.S. Treasury demand notes                                         199                 845
     Federal funds purchased                                            -                 1,300
     Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                  3,800               4,800
     Accrued interest payable                                           316                 290
     Other liabilities                                                  770                 513
                                                                   --------            --------
                                                                     93,957              91,350
                                                                   --------            --------

Shareholders' equity
     Class A common stock, $1 stated value, 500,000 shares
       authorized, 64,234 shares issued and outstanding                  64                  64
     Class B common stock, nonvoting, $1 stated value, 40,000
       shares authorized, 17,666 issued and outstanding                  18                  18
     Additional paid-in capital                                         775                 775
     Retained earnings                                               13,801              12,793
     Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale,
       net of tax ($73 and $54)                                          11                 (23)
                                                                   --------            --------
                                                                     14,669              13,627
                                                                   --------            --------

                                                                   $108,626            $104,977
                                                                   --------            --------
                                                                   --------            --------

                                         F-2

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
               For the three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
                    (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
                                    (Unaudited)

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

                                                                           1998                1997
                                                                           ----                ----
                                                                                      
INTEREST INCOME
   Loans, including fees                                                 $ 2,045             $ 1,942
   Taxable securities                                                        110                 122
   Non-taxable securities                                                     49                  73
   Federal funds sold                                                         36                   3
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                           2,240               2,140
INTEREST EXPENSE
   Deposits                                                                  930                 877
   Short-term borrowings                                                       4                  18
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                            68                  61
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                           1,002                 956
                                                                         -------             -------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                                        1,238               1,184

Provision for loan losses                                                     60                  60
                                                                         -------             -------

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES                        1,178               1,124

NONINTEREST INCOME
   Trust income                                                               17                  30
   Service charges on deposit accounts                                        60                  64
   Securities gains (losses), net                                              4                   3
   Net gain on loan sales                                                      7                   2
   Other                                                                     108                  89
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                             196                 188
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
   Salaries and employee benefits                                            393                 375
   Premises and equipment                                                     99                 104
   Other                                                                     278                 263
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                             770                 742
                                                                         -------             -------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                                   604                 570

Provision for income taxes                                                   217                 199
                                                                         -------              ------

NET INCOME                                                                   387                 371
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
   Change in unrealized gains/losses on securities                            41                  24
                                                                         -------              ------

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                     $   428              $  395
                                                                         -------              ------
                                                                         -------              ------
Net income per share                                                     $  4.73              $ 4.53
                                                                         -------              ------
                                                                         -------              ------
Dividends per share                                                      $   .50              $  .50
                                                                         -------              ------
                                                                         -------              ------

                                         F-3

                              JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
                     (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
                                     (Unaudited)

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

                                                                           1998                1997
                                                                           ----                ----
                                                                                       
INTEREST INCOME
   Loans, including fees                                                 $ 5,853             $ 5,578
   Taxable securities                                                        339                 381
   Non-taxable securities                                                    162                 245
   Federal funds sold                                                         68                  17
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                           6,422               6,221
INTEREST EXPENSE
   Deposits                                                                2,672               2,635
   Short-term borrowings                                                      14                  42
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                           218                  97
                                                                           2,904               2,774
                                                                         -------             -------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                                        3,518               3,447

Provision for loan losses                                                    180                 180
                                                                         -------             -------

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES                        3,338               3,267

NONINTEREST INCOME
   Trust income                                                               59                  73
   Service charges on deposit accounts                                       174                 190
   Securities gains (losses), net                                              8                  (1)
   Net gain on loan sales                                                     16                   7
   Other                                                                     325                 254
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                             582                 523

NONINTEREST EXPENSES
   Salaries and employee benefits                                          1,224               1,161
   Premises and equipment                                                    312                 305
   Other                                                                     705                 667
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                           2,241               2,133
                                                                         -------             -------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                                 1,679               1,657
Provision for income taxes                                                   589                 573
                                                                         -------             -------
NET INCOME                                                                 1,090               1,084

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
   Change in unrealized gains/losses on securities                            34                  40
                                                                         -------             -------

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                     $ 1,124             $ 1,124
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                         -------             -------
Net income per share                                                     $ 13.31             $ 13.24
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                         -------             -------
Dividends per share                                                      $  1.00             $  1.00
                                                                         -------             -------
                                                                         -------             -------

                                         F-4

                              JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
                                (Dollars in thousands)
                                     (Unaudited)

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

                                                                           1998                1997
                                                                           ----                ----
                                                                                      
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income                                                           $  1,090            $  1,084
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     from operating activities
       Provision for loan losses                                             180                 180
       Depreciation and amortization                                         242                 242
       Securities net (gains) losses                                          (8)                  1
       Net change in
          Interest receivable                                               (150)               (129)
       Interest payable                                                       26                  33
       Other assets and liabilities                                         (213)                229
                                                                        --------            --------
          Net cash from operating activities                               1,167               1,640

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Purchase of securities available-for-sale                              (1,508)             (2,126)
   Purchase of restricted stock                                                -                 (56)
   Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale                    1,508               2,004
   Proceeds from principal payments and maturities
     of securities available-for-sale                                      2,311               2,310
   Proceeds from maturities of securities held-to-maturity                    75                 181
   Loans made to customers and payments received                          (3,606)             (7,103)
   Purchases of premises and equipment, net                                  (60)               (172
                                                                        --------            --------)
     Net cash from investing activities                                   (1,280)             (4,962)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Net change in deposits                                                  5,270              (3,466)
   Net change in short-term borrowings                                    (1,946)              1,230
   Proceeds from FHLB advances                                                 -               2,800
   Payments on FHLB advances                                              (1,000)                  -
   Dividends paid                                                            (82)                (82)
                                                                        --------            --------
     Net cash from financing activities                                    2,242                 482
                                                                        --------            --------

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                                    2,129              (2,840)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                           2,434               4,843
                                                                        --------            --------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                              $  4,563            $  2,003
                                                                        --------            --------
                                                                        --------            --------

                                         F-5

                              JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  September 30, 1998
                                     (Unaudited)

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

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The significant accounting policies followed by Jay Financial Corporation (the
"Company") for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting
policies followed for annual financial reporting.  The consolidated interim
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles and in accordance with instructions to Form 10-QSB and may
not include all information and footnotes normally disclosed for full annual
financial statements.  All adjustments which are, in the opinion of management,
necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods reported have
been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements
and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

Under a new accounting standard, comprehensive income is now reported for all
periods.  Comprehensive income includes both net income and other comprehensive
income.  Other comprehensive income includes the changes in unrealized gains and
losses on securities available-for-sale, net of tax.

NOTE 2 - PENDING BUSINESS COMBINATION

On August 20, 1998, the Company agreed to merge with First Merchants Corporation
(First Merchants).  First Merchants is a bank holding company located in Muncie,
Indiana.  Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding common share of the
Company will be converted into 13.41681 common shares of First Merchants.  The
proposed transaction requires approval by regulatory authorities and the
shareholders of the Company.  The proposed transaction is expected to be
consummated in the first quarter of 1999.  It is expected to be accounted for as
a pooling-of-interests.

                                         F-6

                            REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Jay Financial Corporation
Portland, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Jay Financial
Corporation as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Jay Financial
Corporation as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

                                             Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
January 8, 1998, except for Note 15,
as to which the date is August 20, 1998

                                         F-7

                              JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                             CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                              December 31, 1997 and 1996
                  (dollar references in thousands except share data)

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

                                                                         1997         1996
                                                                         ----         ----
                                                                              
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                                               $   2,434     $   2,893
Federal funds sold                                                            -         1,950
                                                                      ---------     ---------
  Total cash and cash equivalents                                         2,434         4,843
Securities available-for-sale, at market                                 11,898        14,352
Securities held-to-maturity, at cost (market value - $954
  and $1,175 in 1997 and 1996)                                              931         1,154
Restricted stock                                                            547           398
Loans                                                                    84,908        77,502
     Less: Allowance for loan losses                                       (992)         (922)
                                                                      ---------     ---------
     Loans, net                                                          83,916        76,580
Premises and equipment, net                                               1,029         1,085
Accrued interest receivable                                                 939           909
Cash value of life insurance                                              2,844         1,815
Other assets                                                                439           543
                                                                      ---------     ---------

       Total assets                                                   $ 104,977     $ 101,679
                                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                                      ---------     ---------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
  Deposits
  Noninterest-bearing deposits                                        $   5,441     $   7,040
  Interest-bearing deposits                                              78,161        80,111
                                                                      ---------     ---------
     Total deposits                                                      83,602        87,151
  U.S. Treasury demand notes                                                845           637
  Federal funds purchased                                                 1,300             -
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                         4,800         1,000
  Accrued interest payable                                                  290           260
  Other liabilities                                                         513           355
                                                                      ---------     ---------
     Total liabilities                                                   91,350        89,403
                                                                      ---------     ---------
Shareholders' equity

  Class A common stock, $1 stated value, 500,000 shares
    authorized, 64,234 shares issued and outstanding                         64            64
  Class B common stock, nonvoting, $1 stated value, 40,000
    shares authorized, 17,666 issued and outstanding                         18            18
  Additional paid-in capital                                                775           775
  Retained earnings                                                      12,793        11,496
  Unrealized depreciation on securities available-for-sale,
    net of tax ($54 in 1997 and $20 in 1996)                                (23)          (77)
                                                                      ---------     ---------
     Total shareholders' equity                                          13,627        12,276
                                                                      ---------     ---------

       Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                     $ 104,977     $ 101,679
                                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                                      ---------     ---------

                                         F-8

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
               (dollar references in thousands except per share data)

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

                                                      1997           1996
                                                      ----           ----
                                                            
INTEREST INCOME
   Loans, including fees                           $   7,530      $   6,974
   Taxable securities                                    496            536
   Non-taxable securities                                314            371
   Federal funds sold                                     38            114
   Interest-bearing balances with banks                    -              9
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                       8,378          8,004
INTEREST EXPENSE
   Deposits                                            3,536          3,482
   Short-term borrowings                                  46             23
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances                       172             20
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                       3,754          3,525
                                                   ---------      ---------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                    4,624          4,479

Provision for loan losses                                240            281
                                                   ---------      ---------

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES    4,384          4,198

NONINTEREST INCOME
   Trust income                                           90            115
   Service charges on deposit accounts                   249            256
   Securities losses, net                                 (1)           (20)
   Net gain on loan sales                                  9             10
   Other                                                 342            485
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                         689            846
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
   Salaries and employee benefits                      1,551          1,375
   Premises and equipment                                403            344
   Other                                                 890            764
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                       2,844          2,483
                                                   ---------      ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                             2,229          2,561

Provision for income taxes                               768            890
                                                   ---------      ---------

NET INCOME                                         $   1,461      $   1,671
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   ---------      ---------

Net income per share                               $   17.84      $   20.40
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   ---------      ---------

Average shares outstanding                            81,900         81,900
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   ---------      ---------

                                         F-9

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
               (dollar references in thousands except per share data)

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

                                                                                    Unrealized
                                                                                   Appreciation
                                                                                  (Depreciation)
                                                                                  on Securities
                                                       Additional                   Available-
                                            Common       Paid-in        Retained     for-Sale,
                                             Stock       Capital        Earnings    Net of Tax          Total
                                             -----       -------        --------    ----------          -----
                                                                                     
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1996                   $    82       $    775       $  9,989      $     (77)    $   10,769

Net income                                                                 1,671                         1,671

Cash dividends-$2 per share                                                 (164)                         (164)

Net change in unrealized
  depreciation on securities
  available-for-sale                                                                          -              -
                                           -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996                      82            775         11,496            (77)        12,276

Net income                                                                 1,461                         1,461

Cash dividends - $2 per share                                               (164)                         (164)

Net change in unrealized
  depreciation on securities
  available-for-sale                                                                         54             54
                                           -------        -------        -------        -------        -------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997                 $    82        $   775        $12,793        $   (23)       $13,627
                                           -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
                                           -------        -------        -------        -------        -------

                                         F-10

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

                                                              1997         1996
                                                              ----         ----
                                                                  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
  Net income                                               $   1,461    $   1,671
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash   
   from operating activities   
    Provision for loan losses                                    240          281
    Depreciation and amortization                                351          361
    Deferred income tax                                          (89)          87
    Securities net losses                                          1           20
    Net change in
      Interest receivable                                        (30)         (40)
      Interest payable                                            30          (12)
      Other assets and liabilities                               197         (196)
                                                           ---------    ---------
        Net cash from operating activities                     2,161        2,172
                                                           ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Net change in interest-bearing balances with banks             -            498
  Purchase of securities available-for-sale                   (2,126)      (3,101)
  Purchase of restricted stock                                  (149)         (36)
  Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale         2,003        2,038
  Proceeds from principal payments and maturities  
    of securities available-for-sale                           2,618        3,135
  Proceeds from maturities of securities held-to-maturity        221          255
  Loans purchased                                             (1,103)      (2,095)
  Loans sold                                                     250          530
  Loans made to customers and payments received               (6,723)     (11,642)
  Payment of life insurance premiums                            (935)         -
  Purchases of premises and equipment, net                      (221)        (256)
                                                           ---------    ---------
    Net cash from investing activities                        (6,165)     (10,674)
                                                           ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
  Net change in deposits                                      (3,549)       6,322
  Net change in short-term borrowings                          1,508          283
  Proceeds from FHLB advances                                  3,800        1,000
  Dividends paid                                                (164)        (164)
                                                           ---------    ---------
    Net cash from financing activities                         1,595        7,441
                                                           ---------    ---------

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                       (2,409)      (1,061)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                 4,843        5,904
                                                           ---------    ---------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                   $   2,434    $   4,843
                                                           ---------    ---------
                                                           ---------    ---------

Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest                                                 $   3,724    $   3,537
  Income taxes                                                   824        1,020

                                         F-11

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS:  The consolidated financial statements include Jay
Financial Corporation (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The First
National Bank of Portland ("Bank").  Intercompany transactions are eliminated in
consolidation.

The Company operates primarily in the banking industry, which accounts for more
than 90% of its revenues, operating income and assets.  The Company and Bank are
engaged in the business of commercial and retail banking and trust and
investment services in Jay County, Indiana.  The Bank's customers are located
primarily in Jay County and surrounding counties.  The majority of the Company's
income is derived from loans to customers who are predominantly small and
middle-market businesses and individuals.  The Bank's loans are generally
secured by specific items of collateral including real property, consumer assets
and business assets.  Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio,
approximately 20% of the portfolio at December 31, 1997 is dependent upon the
agriculture industry.

USE OF ESTIMATES:  To prepare financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions based
on available information.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts
reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future
results could differ.  The allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial
instruments, and the determination and carrying value of impaired loans are
particularly subject to change.

SECURITIES:  Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at
amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them
to maturity.  Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be
sold before maturity.  Securities available for sale are carried at fair value,
with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in shareholders'
equity, net of tax.  Securities are written down to fair value when a decline in
fair value is not temporary.  Interest and dividend income, adjusted by
amortization of purchase premium or discount, is included in earnings.  Realized
gains and losses are determined based on the amortized cost of the specific
security sold.

LOANS:  Loans are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred
loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses.  Interest income is
reported on the interest method and includes amortization of net deferred loan
fees and costs over the loan term.

Interest income is not reported when full loan repayment is in doubt, typically
when payments are past due over 90 days.  Payments received on such loans are
reported as principal reductions.

                                         F-12

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES:  The allowance for loan losses is a valuation
allowance, increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by
charge-offs, less recoveries.  Management estimates the allowance balance
required based on past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the
portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated
collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors.  Allocations of the
allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available
for any loan that, in management's judgment, should be charged-off.  Loan
impairment is reported when full payment under the loan terms is not expected.
Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature
such as residential mortgage, consumer, and credit card loans, and on an
individual loan basis for other loans.  If a loan is impaired, a portion of the
allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value
of estimated future cash flows using the loan's existing rate or at the fair
value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Loans
are evaluated for impairment when payments are delayed, typically 90 days or
more, or when it is probable that all principal and interest amounts will not be
collected according to the original terms of the loan.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:  Premises and equipment are stated at cost net of
accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is computed over the assets' useful
lives on the straight line basis.

INCOME TAXES:  Income tax expense is the sum of the current year income tax due
or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.  Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and
liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates.  A valuation allowance, if
needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

LOAN SERVICING:  The Bank sells originated loans with servicing rights 
retained. Servicing rights have not been recorded as an asset due to 
immateriality.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:  Fair values of financial instruments are
estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully
disclosed in a separate note.  Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and
matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk,
prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for
particular items.  Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could
significantly affect the estimates.

NET INCOME PER SHARE:  Net income per share is computed based upon weighted
average common shares outstanding.

                                         F-13

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

CASH FLOW REPORTING:  Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand
deposits with other financial institutions and federal funds sold.  Cash flows
are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest-bearing
time deposits with other financial institutions and short-term borrowings with
maturities of 90 days or less.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES:  New accounting standards have been issued which will
require future reporting of comprehensive income (net income plus changes in
holding gains and losses on securities available for sale) and may require
redetermination of industry segment financial information.

NOTE 2 - RESTRICTION ON CASH

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Bank was required to have $802 and $824 on
deposit with the Federal Reserve or as cash on hand.  These reserves do not earn
interest.

NOTE 3 - SECURITIES

The amortized cost and market values of securities at year-end are as follows.

                                                          Gross          Gross
                                         Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized         Market
                                           Cost           Gains         Losses            Value
                                           ----           -----         ------            -----
                                                                          
1997:
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

U.S. Government and its agencies         $   3,010     $       24     $       (2)     $   3,032
States and political subdivisions            4,512            108              -          4,619
Mortgage-backed                              3,150             24            (20)         3,154
Equity securities                            1,195              -           (103)         1,093
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------
                                         $  11,867     $      156     $     (125)     $  11,898
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------

SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY

State and political subdivisions         $     931     $       23     $        -      $     954
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------

                                         F-14

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 3 - SECURITIES (Continued)

                                                          Gross          Gross
                                         Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized         Market
                                           Cost           Gains         Losses            Value
                                           ----           -----         ------            -----
                                                                          
1996:
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

U.S Government and its agencies          $   3,005     $       18     $      (11)     $   3,012
States and political subdivisions            5,805            106            (16)         5,895
Mortgage-backed                              4,423              9            (55)         4,377
Equity securities                            1,176              -           (108)         1,068
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------
                                         $  14,409     $      133     $     (190)     $  14,352
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------

SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY

State and political subdivisions         $   1,154     $       22     $       (1)     $   1,175
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------
                                         ---------     ----------     ----------      ---------

Mortgage-backed securities are primarily issued by federal agencies and
government sponsored entities.

Restricted stock primarily consists of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan
Bank stock.

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available for sale at
year-end 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Securities not due at
a single maturity date are shown separately.

                                            Available-for-Sale              Held-to-Maturity
                                            ------------------              ----------------
                                         Amortized         Market      Amortized         Market
                                           Cost             Value        Cost             Value
                                           ----             -----        ----             -----
                                                                          
Due in one year or less                  $   2,135      $   2,139      $      75      $      75
Due after one through five years             4,337          4,406            701            712
Due after five through ten years             1,050          1,106            155            167
Due after ten years                              -              -              -              -
                                         ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                             7,522          7,651            931            954
Mortgage-backed securities                   3,150          3,154              -              -
Equity securities                            1,195          1,093              -              -
                                         ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                         $  11,867      $  11,898      $     931      $     954
                                         ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                         ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------

                                         F-15

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 3 - SECURITIES  (Continued)

Proceeds from sales of securities during 1997 were $2,003 for securities
available-for-sale.  Gross gains of $6 and gross losses of $7 were realized on
those sales.  Proceeds from sales of securities during 1996 were $2,038 for
securities available-for-sale.  Gross gains of $2 and gross losses of $22 were
realized on those sales. No securities held-to-maturity were sold in 1997 or
1996.

Securities with a total amortized cost of $1,508 and $2,008 were pledged at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 to secure public deposits and for other purposes as
permitted or required by law.  See also Note 9.

NOTE 4 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Loans are comprised of the following classifications:

                                                      1997           1996
                                                      ----           ----
                                                            
Real estate-residential                            $  29,908      $  27,041
Real estate-commercial                                25,576         22,707
Commercial                                            18,756         16,823
Consumer                                              10,668         10,931
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   $  84,908      $  77,502
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   ---------      ---------

Loans dependent on the agriculture industry included in total loans were
approximately $17,136 and $13,429 at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses was as follows:

                                                      1997           1996
                                                      ----           ----
                                                            
     Balance, January 1                            $     922      $   1,006
     Provision for loan losses                           240            281
     Recoveries on loans                                 170             41
     Loans charged off                                  (340)          (406)
                                                   ---------      ---------

     Balance, December 31                          $     992      $     922
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   ---------      ---------

                                         F-16

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 4 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired loan information is as follows:

                                                      1997           1996
                                                      ----           ----
                                                            
Year end loans:
  with no allowance for loan losses allocated      $     480      $       9
  with allowance for loan losses allocated                83            971
Amount of the allowance allocated                         41            281

Average  balance of impaired loans during the year       741            417
Interest income recognized during impairment              11             12
Cash-basis interest income recognized                     11             12

Certain of the Company's officers, directors, principal shareholders and their
associates were loan customers of the Bank.  At December 31, 1997 and 1996 loans
to these individuals totaled $3,874 and $3,480.

NOTE 5 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Year-end premises and equipment are as follows:

                                                      1997           1996
                                                      ----           ----
                                                            
     Land and land improvements                    $      96      $      96
     Buildings and improvements                        1,046            935
     Furniture and equipment                           1,574          1,464
                                                    --------      ---------
           Total cost                                  2,716          2,495
     Accumulated depreciation and amortization        (1,687)        (1,410)
                                                    --------      ---------

                                                    $  1,029      $   1,085
                                                    --------      ---------
                                                    --------      ---------

Depreciation charged to operations totaled $277 and $228 for 1997 and 1996.

                                         F-17

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 6 - DEPOSITS

Certificates of deposit of $100 or more total $13,654 and $15,752 at December
31, 1997 and 1996.

At year-end 1997, the scheduled maturities of certificates and other time
deposits (included in interest bearing deposits) are as follows:

                                                     
                    1998                                $  30,479
                    1999                                    9,515
                    2000                                    7,038
                    2001                                    1,291
                    2002                                    1,474
                    Thereafter                                  -
                                                        ---------

                                                        $  49,797
                                                        ---------
                                                        ---------

NOTE 7 - LOAN SERVICING

Mortgage loans serviced for FHLMC are not included in the consolidated financial
statements.  The unpaid principal balances totaled $4,840 and $5,305 at December
31, 1997 and 1996.

NOTE 8 - INCOME TAX

Income tax expense:

                                                      1997           1996
                                                      ----           ----
                                                            
     Currently payable                             $     857      $     803
     Deferred                                            (89)            87
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   $     768      $     890
                                                   ---------      ---------
                                                   ---------      ---------

The difference between the financial statement tax provision and amounts
computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% to pre-tax
income is reconciled as follows:

                                                               1997      1996
                                                               ----      ----
                                                                 
     Income tax provision computed at statutory federal rate $   758   $   871
     Tax effect of:
       Income from tax exempt securities and loans              (106)     (119)
       State income tax, net of federal tax effect               126       145
       Other                                                     (10)       (7)
                                                             -------   -------
     Income tax expense                                      $   768   $   890
                                                             -------   -------
                                                             -------   -------

                                         F-18

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 8 - INCOME TAX (Continued)

The year-end net deferred tax asset is comprised of the following components:

                                                                     1997           1996
                                                                     ----           ----
                                                                           
     Deferred tax assets:
       Allowance for loan losses                                  $     333      $     305
       Deferred compensation                                             66             50
       Accrued retirement benefits                                       81             61
       Unrealized loss on equity securities available for sale           41             43
       Other                                                              7              6
                                                                  ---------      ---------
                                                                        528            465
     Deferred tax liabilities:
       Depreciation                                                     (48)           (72)
       Unrealized gain on debt securities available for sale            (54)           (20)
       Net deferred loan fees                                           (45)           (26)
       Leasing activities                                               (57)           (29)
       Net discount accretion on securities and other                    (9)           (57)
                                                                  ---------      ---------
                                                                       (213)          (204)

     Valuation allowance                                                (41)           (43)
                                                                  ---------      ---------
       Net deferred tax asset                                     $     274      $     218
                                                                  ---------      ---------
                                                                  ---------      ---------

NOTE 9 - FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

Year-end Federal Home Loan Bank advances are as follows:

                                                                     1997           1996
                                                                     ----           ----
                                                                           
     6.07%, due August 1998                                       $     500      $     500
     6.37%, due August 1998                                             500            500
     6.49%, due May 1999                                                500              -
     6.24%, due June 1999                                             1,300              -
     6.06%, due July 1999                                             1,000              -
     6.06%, due October 1999                                          1,000              -
                                                                  ---------      ---------
                                                                  $   4,800      $   1,000
                                                                  ---------      ---------
                                                                  ---------      ---------

The advances outstanding at December 31, 1997 are due in full at maturity,
require monthly interest payments and are secured by a blanket pledge of the
Bank's eligible securities and mortgage loans.

                                         F-19

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In the normal course of business there are outstanding commitments and
contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit and standby letters
of credit, which are not included in the accompanying financial statements.  The
Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party
to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby
letters of credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those
instruments.  The Bank uses the same credit policies in making such commitments
as it does for instruments that are included in the consolidated balance sheet.

Financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit risk as of
December 31, were as follows:

                                                     1997           1996
                                                     ----           ----
                                                           
     Commitments to extend credit                 $   9,899      $   13,054
     Standby letters of credit                           48              56

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as
there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Standby
letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee
the performance of a customer to a third party.  Commitments and letters of
credit generally have fixed expiration dates of no more than one year or are
variable rate.  Since many commitments and most letters of credit expire without
being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent
future cash requirements.  The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary
by the Bank upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation.
Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property
and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

NOTE 11 - REGULATORY MATTERS

The Bank is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal
banking agencies.  Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action
regulations involve quantitative and qualitative measures of assets,
liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory
accounting practices.

                                         F-20

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 11 - REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including
well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly
undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not
used to represent overall financial condition.  If adequately capitalized,
regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits.  If
undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and
expansion, and plans for capital restoration are required.

At year end 1997 and 1996, the capital requirements were met and the Bank was
categorized as well capitalized.  Actual capital levels (in millions) and
minimum required levels were:

                                                                                                         Minimum Required
                                                                                                            To Be Well
                                                                            Minimum Required                Capitalized
                                                                              For Capital            Under Prompt Corrective
                                                      Actual               Adequacy Purposes            Action Regulations
                                                      ------               -----------------            ------------------
                                                Amount      Ratio        Amount           Ratio       Amount           Ratio
                                                ------      -----        ------           -----       ------           -----
                                                                                                      
1997
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)       $ 14,180      18.3%      $  6,197           8.0%      $  7,747          10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)        13,212      17.1          3,099           4.0          4,648           6.0
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)              13,212      12.5          4,215           4.0          5,269           5.0

1996
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)         12,954      17.5          5,930           8.0          7,413          10.0
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)        12,032      16.2          2,965           4.0          4,448           6.0
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)              12,032      12.3          3,905           4.0          4,882           5.0

NOTE 12 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Bank has a retirement savings 401(k) plan in which substantially all
employees may participate.  The Bank matches employees' contributions at the
rate of 75 percent for the first 6 percent of base salary contributed.  The
Bank's expense for the plan was $74 for 1997 and $32 for 1996.

The Bank has purchased life insurance on certain directors and officers, which
insurance had an approximate cash value of $2,844 and $1,815 at December 31,
1997 and 1996.  The Bank also has entered into deferred compensation, salary
continuation and survivor income benefit agreements that provide benefits to
certain directors and officers or their beneficiaries.  The

                                         F-21

benefits expected to be paid at retirement are being accrued to date of full
eligibility.  Accrued benefits payable totaled $372  and $280  at December 31,
1997 and 1996.

                                         F-22

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 13 - DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial instruments at year-end were as follows, in thousands.

                                          ---------- 1997 -------       ---------- 1996 -------
                                          Carrying           Fair       Carrying           Fair
                                            Value           Value         Value           Value
                                            -----           -----         -----           -----
                                                                            
Financial assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                  2,434          2,434          4,843          4,843
  Securities available-for-sale             11,898         11,898         14,352         14,352
  Securities held-to-maturity                  931            954          1,154          1,175
  Loans, net                                83,916         84,534         76,580         76,770
  Accrued interest receivable                  939            939            909            909

Financial liabilities
  Deposits                                 (83,602)       (84,060)       (87,151)       (87,763)
  Short-term borrowings                     (2,145)        (2,145)          (637)          (637)
  FHLB advances                             (4,800)        (4,833)        (1,000)        (1,005)
  Accrued interest payable                    (290)          (290)          (260)          (260)

Off-balance sheet items                          -              -              -              -

For purposes of these fair value disclosures, the following assumptions were
used.  The fair values for cash and cash equivalents, cash value of life
insurance, demand and savings deposits, accrued interest, and short-term
borrowings are considered to approximate the carrying amounts.  The fair value
for securities is based on quoted market values for the individual securities or
for equivalent securities.  The fair value for loans is based on estimates of
the difference in interest rates that the Company would charge the borrowers for
similar such loans with similar maturities made at December 31, applied for an
estimated time period until the loan is assumed to reprice or be paid.  The fair
value for certificates of deposit and FHLB advances is based on estimates of the
rates that the Company would pay on such deposits and rates available on such
advances at December 31, applied for the time period until maturity.  The
carrying value (which is zero) of off-balance sheet items is considered to be a
reasonable estimate of fair value as these instruments are generally variable-
rate and short-term in nature, with minimal fees charged.

                                         F-23

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 14 -  PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Presented below is condensed financial information as to financial position,
results of operations and cash flows of the Company:

                               CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                               ------------------------
                             December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                                           1997           1996
                                                           ----           ----
                                                                 
ASSETS
  Investment in subsidiary-The First National Bank      $  13,339      $  12,004
  Securities available-for-sale                               285            266
  Other assets                                                  3              6
                                                        ---------      ---------
                                                        $  13,627      $  12,276
                                                        ---------      ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities                                             $       -      $       -

Shareholders' equity                                       13,627         12,276
                                                        ---------      ---------

                                                        $  13,627      $  12,276
                                                        ---------      ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------

                           CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                           ------------------------------
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                                           1997           1996
                                                           ----           ----
                                                                 
Dividends on securities available for sale              $       6      $       4
Dividends from subsidiary                                     177            244
Equity in subsidiary undistributed income                   1,280          1,426
Other expenses                                                 (2)            (3)
                                                        ---------      ---------

  Net income                                            $   1,461      $   1,671
                                                        ---------      ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------

                                         F-24

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
                          (dollar references in thousands)

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

NOTE 14 - PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

                          CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          ----------------------------------
                       Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

                                                           1997           1996
                                                           ----           ----
                                                                 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income                                            $   1,461      $   1,671
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities
      Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary         (1,280)        (1,426)
      Change in other assets and liabilities                    3              4
                                                        ---------      ---------
        Net cash from operating activities                    183            249
                                                        ---------      ---------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchase securities available-for-sale                      (20)           (85)
                                                        ---------      ---------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Cash dividends                                             (164)          (164)
                                                        ---------      ---------
    Net cash from financing activities                       (164)          (164)
                                                        ---------      ---------

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                         -              -
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                  -              -
                                                        ---------      ---------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                $       -      $       -
                                                        ---------      ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------

NOTE 15 - PENDING BUSINESS COMBINATION

On August 20, 1998, the Company agreed to merge with First Merchants Corporation
(First Merchants).  First Merchants is a bank holding company located in Muncie,
Indiana.  Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding common share of the
Company will be converted into 13.41681 common shares of First Merchants.  The
proposed transaction requires approval by regulatory authorities and the
shareholders of the Company.  The proposed transaction is expected to be
consummated in the first quarter of 1999.  It is expected to be accounted for as
a pooling-of-interests.

                                         F-25

                                     APPENDIX A

                       AGREEMENT OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

                                      BETWEEN

                            FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

                                        AND

                             JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

     THIS AGREEMENT OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (the "Agreement"), is entered
this 20th day of August, 1998, by and between FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
("First Merchants") and JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION ("Jay Financial").

                                 W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, First Merchants is a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Indiana and a registered bank holding company under the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with its principal place of
business in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana;

     WHEREAS, Jay Financial is a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Indiana and a registered bank holding company under the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with its principal place of
business in Portland, Jay County, Indiana;

     WHEREAS, The First National Bank of Portland (the "Bank") is a national
bank duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Jay Financial with its principal banking office in
Portland, Jay County, Indiana;

     WHEREAS, it is the desire of First Merchants and Jay Financial to effect a
transaction whereby the Bank will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of First
Merchants through a statutory merger of Jay Financial with and into First
Merchants; and

     WHEREAS, a majority of the entire Board of Directors of First Merchants and
a majority of the entire Board of Directors of Jay Financial have approved this
Agreement, designated it as a plan of reorganization within the provisions of
Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and authorized its execution.

                                         A-1

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and
agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, First Merchants and Jay Financial
hereby make this Agreement and prescribe the terms and conditions of the merger
of Jay Financial with and into First Merchants and the mode of carrying the
transaction into effect as follows:

                                     SECTION 1

                                     THE MERGER

     1.01.  MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on
the Effective Date (as defined in Section 11 hereof), Jay Financial shall be
merged into and under the Articles of Incorporation of First Merchants, which
shall be the "Continuing Company" and which shall continue its corporate
existence under the laws of the State of Indiana, pursuant to the provisions of
and with the effect provided in the Indiana Business Corporation Law and
particularly Indiana Code Chapter 23-1-40 (the "Merger").

     1.02.  RIGHT TO REVISE MERGER.  First Merchants may, at any time, change
the method of effecting the Merger if and to the extent First Merchants deems
such change to be desirable, including, without limitation, to provide for the
merger of Jay Financial and a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants;
provided, however, that no such change, modification or amendment shall (a)
alter or change the amount or kind of consideration to be received by the
shareholders of Jay Financial specified in Section 3 hereof as a result of the
Merger, (ii) adversely affect the tax treatment to the shareholders of Jay
Financial, or (iii) materially impede or delay receipt of any approvals referred
to in this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

                                     SECTION 2

                                EFFECT OF THE MERGER

     Upon the Merger becoming effective:

     2.01.  GENERAL DESCRIPTION.  The separate existence of Jay Financial shall
cease and the Continuing Company shall possess all of the assets of Jay
Financial including all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Bank and all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers, and franchises
and shall be subject to and assume all of the duties and liabilities of Jay
Financial.

     2.02.  NAME, OFFICES, AND MANAGEMENT.  The name of the Continuing Company
shall continue to be "First Merchants Corporation."  Its principal banking
office shall be located at 200 E. Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana.  The Board of
Directors of the Continuing Company,

                                         A-2

until such time as their successors have been elected and qualified, shall
consist of the current Board of Directors of First Merchants.  The officers of
First Merchants immediately prior to the Effective Date shall continue as the
officers of the Continuing Company.

     2.03.  CAPITAL STRUCTURE.  The amount of capital stock of the Continuing
Company shall not be less than the capital stock of First Merchants immediately
prior to the Effective Date increased by the amount of capital stock issued in
accordance with Section 3 hereof.

     2.04.  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS.  The Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws of the Continuing Company shall be those of First Merchants
immediately prior to the Effective Date until the same shall be further amended
as provided by law.

     2.05.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.  The title to all assets, real estate and
other property owned by First Merchants and Jay Financial shall vest in the
Continuing Company without reversion or impairment.  All liabilities of Jay
Financial shall be assumed by the Continuing Company.

     2.06.  ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.  If, at any time after the Effective Date, the
Continuing Company shall consider or be advised that any further deeds,
assignments or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable
(a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Continuing
Company its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
properties or assets of Jay Financial or the Bank, or (b) otherwise carry out
the purposes of this Agreement, Jay Financial and the Bank and their respective
officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted to the Continuing Company
an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver all such deeds,
assignments or assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest,
perfect or confirm title to and possession of such rights, properties or assets
in the Continuing Company and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, and the officers and directors of the Continuing Company are
authorized in the name of Jay Financial or the Bank or otherwise to take any and
all such action.

                                     SECTION 3

                                CONSIDERATION TO BE
                    DISTRIBUTED TO SHAREHOLDERS OF JAY FINANCIAL

     3.01.  CONSIDERATION.  Upon and by reason of the Merger becoming effective,
the shareholders of Jay Financial of record on the Effective Date who have not
dissented to the Merger in accordance with Indiana Code Section  23-1-44, as
amended, shall be entitled to receive eight and 94454/100,000 (8.94454) shares
of First Merchants common stock for each share of Jay Financial common stock
held (the "Conversion Ratio").  The Conversion Ratio shall be subject to
adjustment as set forth in Sections 3.03 and 3.04 hereof.

                                         A-3

     3.02.  NO FRACTIONAL FIRST MERCHANTS COMMON SHARES.  Certificates for
fractional shares of common stock of First Merchants shall not be issued in
respect of fractional interests arising from the Conversion Ratio.  Each Jay
Financial shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of a
First Merchants share, upon surrender of all of his/her certificates
representing Jay Financial common shares, shall be paid in cash (without
interest) in an amount equal to the fraction of the average of the closing price
of First Merchants common stock as quoted by NASDAQ for the five (5) business
days preceding the Effective Date.  No such shareholder of Jay Financial shall
be entitled to dividends, voting rights or any other rights in respect of any
fractional share.

     3.03.  RECAPITALIZATION.  If, between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Date, First Merchants issues a stock dividend with respect to its
shares of common stock, combines, subdivides, or splits up its outstanding
shares or takes any similar recapitalization action, then the number of shares
of First Merchants common stock into which each outstanding Jay Financial share
will be converted under Section 3.01 hereof shall be adjusted so that each Jay
Financial shareholder shall receive such number of First Merchants shares as
represents the same percentage of outstanding shares of First Merchants common
stock at the Effective Date as would have been represented by the number of
shares such shareholder would have received if the recapitalization had not
occurred.

     3.04.     CONVERSION RATIO ADJUSTMENT.

              (a)  As used in this Section 3.04, the term "First Merchants 
     Average Price" shall mean the average of the daily closing prices of the 
     common stock of First Merchants as reported in The Wall Street Journal 
     (Midwest Edition) for the ten (10) NASDAQ trading days preceding the 
     fifth (5th) calendar day prior to the Closing (the "Determination 
     Date").  The First Merchants Average Price shall be appropriately and 
     proportionately adjusted to reflect any share adjustment as contemplated 
     by Section 3.03 hereof.

              (b)  Jay Financial may terminate this Agreement if its Board of 
     Directors so determines by a vote of a majority of the members of its 
     entire Board of Directors if the First Merchants Average Price shall be 
     less than $34.40; subject, however, to the following two provisions.  If 
     Jay Financial elects to exercise its right of termination pursuant to 
     the immediately preceding sentence, it shall give written notice to 
     First Merchants within twenty-four (24) hours of the Determination Date. 
      Within two (2) business days after the date of receipt of such notice, 
     First Merchants shall have the option of adjusting the Conversion Ratio 
     to equal a number equal to a quotient, the numerator of which is the 
     product of $34.40 and the Conversion Ratio (as then in effect) and the 
     denominator of which is the First Merchants Average Price.  If First 
     Merchants makes an election contemplated by the preceding sentence, it 
     shall give prompt written notice to Jay Financial of such election and 
     the revised Conversion Ratio, whereupon no termination shall have 
     occurred pursuant to this Section 3.04(b)

                                         A-4

     and this Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms
     (except as the Conversion Ratio shall have been so modified), and any
     references in this Agreement to "Conversion Ratio" shall thereafter be
     deemed to refer to the Conversion Ratio as adjusted pursuant to this
     Section 3.04(b).

              (c)  First Merchants may terminate this Agreement if its Board 
     of Directors so determines by a vote of a majority of the members of its 
     entire Board of Directors if the First Merchants Average Price shall be 
     greater than $51.60; subject, however, to the following two provisions.  
     If First Merchants elects to exercise its right of termination pursuant 
     to the immediately preceding sentence, it shall give written notice to 
     Jay Financial within twenty-four (24) hours of the Determination Date.  
     Within two (2) business days after the date of receipt of such notice, 
     Jay Financial shall have the option of adjusting the Conversion Ratio to 
     equal a number equal to a quotient, the numerator of which is the 
     product of $51.60 and the Conversion Ratio (as then in effect) and the 
     denominator of which is the First Merchants Average Price.  If Jay 
     Financial makes an election contemplated by the preceding sentence, it 
     shall give prompt written notice to First Merchants of such election and 
     the revised Conversion Ratio, whereupon no termination shall have 
     occurred pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) and this Agreement shall 
     remain in effect in accordance with its terms (except as the Conversion 
     Ratio shall have been so modified), and any references in this Agreement 
     to "Conversion Ratio" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to the 
     Conversion Ratio as adjusted pursuant to this Section 3.04(c).

     3.05.  DISTRIBUTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS COMMON STOCK AND CASH.

            (a)  Each share of common stock of First Merchants outstanding 
     immediately prior to the Effective Date shall remain outstanding 
     unaffected by the Merger.

            (b)  Following the Effective Date, distribution of stock 
     certificates representing First Merchants common stock and cash payments 
     for fractional shares shall be made by First Merchants to each former 
     shareholder of Jay Financial within ten (10) days of such shareholder's 
     delivery of his/her certificates representing common stock of Jay 
     Financial to the conversion agent, First Merchants Bank (the "Conversion 
     Agent").  Certificates surrendered for exchange by a person who is 
     deemed to be an "affiliate" (as defined in Section 7.06 hereof) of Jay 
     Financial shall not be exchanged until First Merchants has received a 
     written agreement from such affiliate as required pursuant to Section 
     7.06 hereof.  Interest shall not accrue or be payable with respect to 
     any cash payments.

            (c)  Following the Effective Date, stock certificates 
     representing Jay Financial common stock shall be deemed to evidence only 
     the right to receive ownership of First Merchants common stock (for all 
     corporate purposes other than the payment of dividends) and cash for 
     fractional shares, as applicable.  No dividends or

                                         A-5

     other distributions otherwise payable subsequent to the Effective Date on
     stock of First Merchants shall be paid to any shareholder entitled to
     receive the same until such shareholder has surrendered his/her
     certificates for Jay Financial common stock to the Conversion Agent in
     exchange for certificates representing First Merchants common stock and
     cash.  Upon surrender, there shall be paid to the recordholder of the new
     certificate(s) evidencing shares of First Merchants common stock the amount
     of all dividends and other distributions, without interest thereon,
     withheld with respect to such common stock.

            (d)  At or after the Effective Date, there shall be no transfers 
     on the stock transfer books of Jay Financial of any shares of the common 
     stock of Jay Financial.  If, after the Effective Date, certificates are 
     presented for transfer to Jay Financial, such certificates shall be 
     cancelled and exchanged for the consideration set forth in Section 3.01 
     hereof, as adjusted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

            (e)  First Merchants shall be entitled to rely upon the stock 
     transfer books of Jay Financial to establish the persons entitled to 
     receive cash and shares of common stock of First Merchants, which books, 
     in the absence of actual knowledge by First Merchants of any adverse 
     claim thereto, shall be conclusive with respect to the ownership of such 
     stock.

            (f)  With respect to any certificate for shares of Jay Financial 
     common stock which has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, First Merchants 
     shall be authorized to issue common stock to the registered owner of 
     such certificate upon receipt of an affidavit of lost stock certificate, 
     in form and substance satisfactory to First Merchants, and upon 
     compliance by the Jay Financial shareholder with all procedures 
     historically required by Jay Financial in connection with lost, stolen, 
     or destroyed certificates.

                                     SECTION 4

                              DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

     Shareholders of Jay Financial shall have the rights accorded to dissenting
shareholders under Indiana Code Section 23-1-44, as amended.

                                         A-6

                                     SECTION 5

                                REPRESENTATIONS AND
                            WARRANTIES OF JAY FINANCIAL

     Jay Financial represents and warrants to First Merchants with respect to
itself and the Bank as follows:  (For the purposes of this Section, a
"Disclosure Letter" is defined as a letter referencing Section 5 of this
Agreement which shall be prepared and executed by an authorized executive
officer of Jay Financial and delivered to and initialed by an authorized
executive officer of First Merchants as provided in Section 7.08 hereof.)

     5.01.  ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY.  Jay Financial is a corporation duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Indiana, and the
Bank is a national bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of
the United States.  Jay Financial and the Bank have the power and authority
(corporate and other) to conduct their respective businesses in the manner and
by the means utilized as of the date hereof.  Jay Financial's only subsidiary is
the Bank, and the Bank has no subsidiaries.  The Bank is subject to primary
federal regulatory supervision and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency.

     5.02.  AUTHORIZATION.

            (a)  Jay Financial has the corporate power and authority to enter 
     into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder.  This 
     Agreement, when executed and delivered, will have been duly authorized 
     and will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Jay Financial, 
     enforceable in accordance with its terms except to the extent limited by 
     insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, readjustment of debt or other 
     laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of 
     creditors' rights.

            (b)  Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the 
     consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, does or will (i) 
     conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under Jay 
     Financial's Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws; (ii) conflict with, 
     result in a breach of, or constitute a default under any federal, 
     foreign, state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or 
     court or administrative order or decree, or any note, bond, indenture, 
     mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment, to 
     which Jay Financial or the Bank is subject or bound, the result of which 
     would materially affect the business or financial condition of Jay 
     Financial or the Bank; (iii) result in the creation of or give any 
     person, corporation or entity, the right to create any lien, charge, 
     encumbrance, security interest, or any other rights of others or other 
     adverse interest upon any right, property or asset of Jay Financial or 
     the Bank; (iv) terminate or give any person, corporation or entity, the 
     right to terminate, amend, abandon, or refuse to perform any note, bond, 
     indenture, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement or 
     commitment to which Jay Financial or the Bank is subject or bound; or 
     (v) accelerate or modify, or give any

                                         A-7

     party thereto the right to accelerate or modify, the time within which, or
     the terms according to which, Jay Financial or the Bank is to perform any
     duties or obligations or receive any rights or benefits under any note,
     bond, indenture, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement or
     commitment.

            (c)  Other than in connection or in compliance with the 
     provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, federal and state 
     securities laws and applicable Indiana banking and corporate statutes, 
     all as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, no 
     notice to, filing with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or 
     approval of, any public body or authority is necessary for the 
     consummation by Jay Financial of the transactions contemplated by this 
     Agreement.

     5.03.  CAPITALIZATION.

            (a) As of June 30, 1998, Jay Financial had 500,000 shares of 
     Class A voting common stock authorized, no par value per share, 64,234 
     shares of which were issued and outstanding, and 40,000 shares of Class 
     B non-voting common stock authorized, no par value per share, 17,666 
     shares of which were issued and outstanding, for an aggregate number of 
     shares of common stock issued and outstanding of 81,900 shares.  Such 
     issued and outstanding shares of Jay Financial common stock have been 
     duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of Jay 
     Financial, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have not 
     been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any shareholders.  
     Jay Financial has no intention or obligation to authorize or issue 
     additional shares of its common stock. Jay Financial has not authorized 
     the issuance of any other class of stock. On a consolidated basis as of 
     June 30, 1998, Jay Financial had total capital of $14,282,735.38, which 
     consisted of voting common stock of $64,234.00, nonvoting common stock 
     of $17,666.00, capital surplus of $775,244.44, and retained earnings of 
     $13,455,462.35.

            (b) As of June 30, 1998, the Bank had 40,000 shares of common 
     stock authorized, $5 par value per share, all of which shares were 
     issued and outstanding to Jay Financial.  Such issued and outstanding 
     shares of Bank common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all 
     necessary corporate action of the Bank, are validly issued, fully paid 
     and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any 
     preemptive rights of any Bank shareholders.  All the issued and 
     outstanding shares of Bank common stock are owned by Jay Financial free 
     and clear of all liens, pledges, charges, claims, encumbrances, 
     restrictions, security interests, options and preemptive rights and of 
     all other rights of any other person, corporation or entity with respect 
     thereto.  As of June 30, 1998, the Bank had total capital of 
     $13,984,368, which consisted of common stock of $200,000, capital 
     surplus of $3,010,000, and retained earnings of $10,804,239.

                                         A-8

            (c)  There are no options, commitments, calls, agreements, 
     understandings, arrangements or subscription rights regarding the 
     issuance, purchase or acquisition of capital stock, or any securities 
     convertible into or representing the right to purchase or otherwise 
     receive the capital stock or any debt securities, of Jay Financial or 
     the Bank by which Jay Financial or the Bank is or may become bound.  
     Neither Jay Financial or the Bank has any outstanding contractual or 
     other obligation to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its 
     respective outstanding shares of capital stock.

            (d)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, no person or 
     entity beneficially owns 5% or more of Jay Financial's outstanding 
     shares of common stock.

            (e)  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank has taken or agreed to 
     take any action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance and 
     neither Jay Financial nor the Bank will take any action that would 
     prevent the Merger from qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting 
     treatment.

     5.04.  ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.  The respective Articles of Incorporation
or Association and By-Laws of Jay Financial and the Bank have been delivered to
First Merchants and represent true, accurate and complete copies of such
corporate documents of Jay Financial and the Bank in effect as of the date of
this Agreement.

     5.05.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank has engaged
in any activity nor taken or omitted to take any action which has resulted or,
to the knowledge of Jay Financial could result, in the violation of any local,
state, federal or foreign law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance or of any
order, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or body,
the violation of which could materially affect the business, prospects,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of Jay Financial or
the Bank.  Jay Financial and the Bank possess all licenses, franchises, permits
and other authorizations necessary for the continued conduct of their respective
businesses without material interference or interruption and such licenses,
franchises, permits and authorizations shall be transferred to First Merchants
on the Effective Date without any restrictions or limitations thereon or the
need to obtain any consents of third parties.  All agreements and understandings
with, and all orders and directives of, all regulatory agencies or government
authorities with respect to the business or operations of Jay Financial or the
Bank, including all correspondence, communications and commitments related
thereto, are set forth in the Disclosure Letter.  The Bank has received no
inquiries from any regulatory agency or government authority relating to its
compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act or the Community
Reinvestment Act or any laws with respect to the protection of the environment
or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     5.06.  ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS.  Neither this Agreement nor any report,
statement, list, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished
by Jay Financial or the Bank to First Merchants in connection with this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated

                                         A-9

hereby (including, without limitation, any information which has been or shall
be supplied by Jay Financial or the Bank with respect to their businesses,
operations and financial condition for inclusion in the proxy statement and
registration statement relating to the Merger) contains or shall contain (in the
case of information relating to the proxy statement at the time it is mailed and
for the registration statement at the time it becomes effective) any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits or shall omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

     5.07.  LITIGATION AND PENDING PROCEEDINGS.  Except as set forth in the
Disclosure Letter, there are no claims of any kind, nor any action, suits,
proceedings, arbitrations or investigations pending or to the knowledge of Jay
Financial or the Bank threatened in any court or before any government agency or
body, arbitration panel or otherwise (nor does Jay Financial or the Bank have
any knowledge of a basis for any claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or
investigation) against, by or materially adversely affecting Jay Financial or
the Bank or their respective businesses, prospects, conditions (financial or
otherwise), results of operations or assets, or which would prevent the
performance of this Agreement or declare the same unlawful or cause the
rescission hereof.  There are no material uncured violations, or violations with
respect to which material refunds or restitutions may be required, cited in any
compliance report to Jay Financial or the Bank as a result of an examination by
any regulatory agency or body.

     5.08.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

            (a)  Jay Financial's consolidated balance sheets as of the end of 
     the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the 
     six months ended June 30, 1998 and the related consolidated statements 
     of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years or period 
     then ended (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Financial 
     Information") present fairly the consolidated financial condition or 
     position of Jay Financial as of the respective dates thereof and the 
     consolidated results of operations of Jay Financial for the respective 
     periods covered thereby and have been prepared in conformity with 
     generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

            (b)  All loans reflected in the Financial Information and which 
     have been made, extended or acquired since June 30, 1998, (i) have been 
     made for good, valuable and adequate consideration in the ordinary 
     course of business; (ii) constitute the legal, valid and binding 
     obligation of the obligor and any guarantor named therein; (iii) are 
     evidenced by notes, instruments or other evidences of indebtedness which 
     are true, genuine and what they purport to be; and (iv) to the extent 
     that the Bank has a security interest in collateral or a mortgage 
     securing such loans, are secured by perfected security interests or 
     mortgages naming the Bank as the secured party or mortgagee, except for 
     such unperfected security interests or mortgages naming the Bank as 
     secured party or mortgagee which, on an individual loan basis, would not 
     materially adversely

                                         A-10

     affect the value of any such loan and the recovery of payment on any such
     loan if the Bank is not able to enforce any such security interest or
     mortgage.

     5.09.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Except for events and conditions
relating to the business environment in general or as set forth in the
Disclosure Letter, since June 30, 1998, no events or conditions of any
character, whether actual, threatened or contemplated, have occurred, or, to the
knowledge of Jay Financial, can reasonably be expected to occur, which
materially adversely affect Jay Financial's or the Bank's business, prospects,
conditions (financial or otherwise), assets or results of operations or which
have caused, or can reasonably be expected to cause, Jay Financial's or the
Bank's business to be conducted in a materially less profitable manner than
prior to June 30, 1998.

     5.10.  ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Neither Jay Financial nor the
Bank is a party to any agreement, contract, obligation, commitment, arrangement,
liability, lease or license which individually exceeds $10,000 per year or which
may not be terminated within one year from the date of this Agreement, except as
set forth in the Disclosure Letter and except for unfunded loan commitments made
in the ordinary course of the Bank's business consistent with past practices,
nor to the knowledge of Jay Financial does there exist any circumstances
resulting from transactions effected or to be effected or events which have
occurred or may occur or from any action taken or omitted to be taken which
could reasonably be expected to result in any such agreement, contract,
obligation, commitment, arrangement, liability, lease or license.

     5.11.  TITLE TO ASSETS.

            (a)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, Jay Financial 
     and the Bank have good and marketable title in fee simple absolute to 
     all personal property reflected in the June 30, 1998 Financial 
     Information, good and marketable title to all other properties and 
     assets which Jay Financial or the Bank purport to own, good and 
     marketable title to or right to use by terms of any lease or contract 
     all other property used in Jay Financial's or the Bank's business, and 
     good and marketable title to all property and assets acquired since June 
     30, 1998, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, restrictions, 
     security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any nature.

            (b) All furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, computer 
     software and hardware, and all other tangible personal property owned or 
     used by Jay Financial or the Bank, including any such items leased as a 
     lessee, are in good working order and free of known defects, subject 
     only to normal wear and tear.  The operation by Jay Financial or the 
     Bank of such properties and assets is in compliance with all applicable 
     laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any governmental authority 
     having jurisdiction over such use.

                                         A-11

          5.12.  LOANS AND INVESTMENTS.

          (a)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, there is no loan of
     the Bank in excess of $10,000 that has been classified by bank regulatory
     examiners as "Other Loans Specially Mentioned," "Substandard," "Doubtful"
     or "Loss," nor is there any loan of the Bank in excess of $10,000 that has
     been identified by accountants or auditors (internal or external) as having
     a significant risk of uncollectibility.  The Bank's loan watch list and all
     loans in excess of $10,000 that the Bank's management has determined to be
     ninety (90) days or more past due with respect to principal or interest or
     has placed on nonaccrual status are set forth in the Disclosure Letter.

          (b)  Each of the reserves and allowances for possible loan losses and
     the carrying value for real estate owned which are shown on the Financial
     Information is, in the opinion of Jay Financial and the Bank, adequate in
     all material respects under the requirements of generally accepted
     accounting principles applied on a consistent basis to provide for possible
     losses on loans outstanding and real estate owned as of the date of such
     Financial Information.

          (c)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, none of the
     investments reflected in the Financial Information and none of the
     investments made by Jay Financial or the Bank since June 30, 1998 is
     subject to any restrictions, whether contractual or statutory, which
     materially impairs the ability of Jay Financial or the Bank to dispose
     freely of such investment at any time.  Except as set forth in the
     Disclosure Letter, neither Jay Financial nor the Bank are a party to any
     repurchase agreements with respect to securities.

     5.13.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

            (a)  The Disclosure Letter contains a list identifying each 
     "employee benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee 
     Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), which (i) 
     is subject to any provision of ERISA, and (ii) is maintained, 
     administered or contributed to by Jay Financial or the Bank and covers 
     any employee, director or former employee or director of Jay Financial 
     or the Bank under which Jay Financial or the Bank has any liability.  
     Copies of such plans (and, if applicable, related trust agreements or 
     insurance contracts) and all amendments thereto and written 
     interpretations thereof have been furnished to First Merchants together 
     with the three most recent annual reports prepared in connection with 
     any such plan and the current summary plan descriptions.  Such plans are 
     hereinafter referred to individually as an "Employee Plan" and 
     collectively as the "Employee Plans."  The Employee Plans which 
     individually or collectively would constitute an "employee pension 
     benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA are identified in the 
     list referred to above.

                                         A-12

            (b)  The Employee Plans comply with and have been operated in 
     accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, rulings and other 
     requirements the breach or violation of which could materially affect 
     Jay Financial, the Bank, or an Employee Plan.  Each Employee Plan has 
     been administered in substantial conformance with such requirements and 
     all reports and information required with respect to each Employee Plan 
     has been timely given.

            (c)  No "prohibited transaction," as defined in Section 406 of 
     ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, for which no statutory or 
     administrative exemption exists, and no "reportable event," as defined 
     in Section 4043(b) of ERISA, has occurred with respect to any Employee 
     Plan.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank has any liability to the 
     Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC"), to the Internal Revenue 
     Service ("IRS"), to the Department of Labor ("DOL") or to an employee or 
     Employee Plan beneficiary under Section 502 of ERISA.

            (d)  To the best knowledge of Jay Financial and the Bank, no 
     "fiduciary," as defined in Section (3)(21) of ERISA, of an Employee Plan 
     has failed to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of ERISA.

            (e)  Each of the Employee Plans which is intended to be qualified 
     under Code Section 401(a) has been amended to comply in all material 
     respects with the applicable requirements of the Code, including the Tax 
     Reform Act of 1986, the Revenue Act of 1987, the Technical and 
     Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act 
     of 1989, the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990, the Tax Extension Act 
     of 1991, the Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 1992, the Omnibus 
     Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, and the Retirement Protection Act of 
     1994 and any rules, regulations or other requirements promulgated 
     thereunder (the "Acts").  In addition, each such Employee Plan has been 
     and is being operated in substantial conformance with the applicable 
     provisions of ERISA and the Code, as amended by the Acts.  Except as set 
     forth in the Disclosure Letter, Jay Financial and/or the Bank, as 
     applicable, sought and received favorable determination letters from the 
     IRS within the applicable remedial amendment periods under Code Section 
     401(b), and has furnished to First Merchants copies of the most recent 
     IRS determination letters with respect to any such Employee Plan.

            (f)  No Employee Plan owns any security of Jay Financial or the 
     Bank.

            (g)  No Employee Plan has incurred an "accumulated funding 
     deficiency," as determined under Code Section 412 and ERISA Section 302.

            (h)  No Employee Plan has been terminated or incurred a partial 
     termination (either voluntarily or involuntarily).

                                         A-13

            (i)  No claims against an Employee Plan, Jay Financial or the 
     Bank, with respect to an Employee Plan, (other than normal benefit 
     claims) have been asserted or threatened.

            (j)  There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement 
     covering any employee, director or former employee or director of Jay 
     Financial or the Bank that, individually or collectively, could give 
     rise to the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by reason 
     of Section 280G or Section 162(a)(1) of the Code.

            (k)  To the best knowledge of Jay Financial and the Bank, no 
     event has occurred that would cause the imposition of the tax described 
     in Code Section 4980B.  To the best knowledge of Jay Financial and the 
     Bank, all requirements of ERISA Section 601 have been met.

            (l)  The Disclosure Letter contains a list of each employment, 
     severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan 
     or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage 
     (including any self-insured arrangements), workers' compensation, 
     disability benefits, supplemental unemployment benefits, vacation 
     benefits, retirement benefits or deferred compensation, profit sharing, 
     bonuses, stock options, stock appreciation or other forms of incentive 
     compensation or post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits 
     which (i) is not an Employee Plan, (ii) was entered into, maintained or 
     contributed to, as the case may be, by Jay Financial or the Bank and 
     (iii) covers any employee, director or former employee or director of 
     Jay Financial or the Bank.  Such contracts, plans and arrangements as 
     are described above, copies or descriptions of all of which have been 
     furnished previously to First Merchants, are hereinafter referred to 
     collectively as the "Benefit Arrangements."  Each of the Benefit 
     Arrangements has been maintained in substantial compliance with its 
     terms and with the requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, 
     orders, rules and regulations which are applicable to such Benefit 
     Arrangements.

            (m)  Except for (i) COBRA health care continuation coverage 
     obligations of the Bank, and (ii) the Bank's obligation to pay for the 
     cost of individual lifetime health care insurance coverage for one 
     retiree which arose out of an acquisition by the Bank in 1988, neither 
     Jay Financial nor the Bank has any present or future liability in 
     respect of post-retirement health and medical benefits for former 
     employees or directors of Jay Financial or the Bank.

            (n)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, there has been 
     no amendment to, written interpretation or announcement (whether or not 
     written) by Jay Financial or the Bank relating to, or change in employee 
     participation or coverage under, any Employee Plan or Benefit 
     Arrangement which would increase materially the expense of maintaining 
     such Employee Plans or Benefit Arrangements above the level of the 
     expense incurred in respect thereof for the fiscal year ended December 
     31, 1997.

                                         A-14

            (o)  For purposes of this Section 5.13, references to Jay 
     Financial or the Bank are deemed to include (i) all predecessors of Jay 
     Financial or the Bank, (ii) any subsidiary of Jay Financial or the Bank, 
     (iii) all members of any controlled group (as determined under Code 
     Section 414(b) or (c)) that includes Jay Financial or the Bank, and (iv) 
     all members of any affiliated service group (as determined under Code 
     Section 414(m) or (n)) that includes Jay Financial or the Bank.

     5.14  OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYEES.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure
Letter, all accrued obligations and liabilities of Jay Financial and the Bank,
whether arising by operation of law, by contract or by past custom, for payments
to trust or other funds, to any government agency or body or to any individual
director, officer, employee or agent (or his heirs, legatees or legal
representative) with respect to unemployment compensation or social security
benefits and all pension, retirement, savings, stock purchase, stock bonus,
stock ownership, stock option, stock appreciation rights or profit sharing plan,
any employment, deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or collective
bargaining agreement or group insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or
employee benefit plan or agreement maintained by Jay Financial or the Bank for
their current or former directors, officers, employees and agents have been and
are being paid to the extent required by law or by the plan or contract, and
adequate actuarial accruals and/or reserves for such payments have been and are
being made by Jay Financial or the Bank in accordance with generally accepted
accounting and actuarial principles, except where the failure to pay any such
accrued obligations or liabilities or to maintain adequate accruals and/or
reserves for payment thereof would not materially adversely affect Jay Financial
or the Bank or their respective businesses, prospects, conditions (financial or
otherwise), results of operations or assets.  All obligations and liabilities of
Jay Financial and the Bank, whether arising by operation of law, by contract, or
by past custom, for all forms of compensation which are or may be payable to
their current or former directors, officers, employees or agents have been and
are being paid, and adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment therefor have
been and are being made in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, except where the failure to pay any such obligations and liabilities
or to maintain adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment thereof would not
materially adversely affect Jay Financial or the Bank or their respective
businesses, prospects, conditions (financial or otherwise), results of
operations or assets.  All accruals and reserves referred to in this Section
5.14 are correctly and accurately reflected and accounted for in the books,
statements and records of Jay Financial and the Bank, except where the failure
to correctly and accurately reflect and account for such accruals and reserves
would not materially adversely affect Jay Financial or the Bank or their
respective businesses, prospects, conditions (financial or otherwise), results
of operations or assets.

     5.15.  TAXES, RETURNS AND REPORTS.  Jay Financial and the Bank have (a)
duly filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns of every type and
kind required to be filed as of the date hereof, and each return is true,
complete and accurate in all material respects; (b) paid in all materials
respects all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges due or claimed to

                                         A-15

be due upon them or any of their income, properties or assets; and (c) not
requested an extension of time for any such payments (which extension is still
in force).  Except for taxes not yet due and payable, the reserve for taxes on
the Financial Information is adequate to cover all of Jay Financial's and the
Bank's tax liabilities (including, without limitation, income taxes and
franchise fees) that may become payable in future years with respect to any
transactions consummated prior to June 30, 1998.  Neither Jay Financial nor the
Bank has or will have, any liability for taxes of any nature for or with respect
to the operation of their business, including the assets of any subsidiary, from
June 30, 1998 up to and including the Effective Date, except to the extent
reflected on their Financial Information or on financial statements of Jay
Financial or the Bank subsequent to such date and as set forth in the Disclosure
Letter.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank is currently under audit by any
state or federal taxing authority.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure
Letter, neither the federal, state, or local tax returns of Jay Financial or the
Bank have been audited by any taxing authority during the past five (5) years.

     5.16.  DEPOSIT INSURANCE.  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") in accordance with the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act, and the Bank has paid all premiums and assessments with
respect to such deposit insurance.

     5.17.  REPORTS.  Since January 1, 1995, each of Jay Financial and the Bank
have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any
required amendments thereto, that it was required to file with (i) the Federal
Reserve Board, (ii) the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, (iii) the
FDIC, and (iv) any federal, state, municipal or local government, securities,
banking, environmental, insurance and other governmental or regulatory
authority, and the agencies and staffs thereof (collectively, the "Regulatory
Authorities"), having jurisdiction over the affairs of either Jay Financial or
the Bank.  All such reports filed by Jay Financial and the Bank complied in all
material respects with all the rules and regulations promulgated by the
applicable Regulatory Authorities and are true, accurate and complete and were
prepared in conformity with generally accepted regulatory accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis.  There is no unresolved violation, criticism or
exception by any of the Regulatory Authorities with respect to any report or
statement filed by, or any examinations of, Jay Financial or the Bank.

     5.18.  ABSENCE OF DEFAULTS.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank is in
violation of its charter documents or By-Laws or in default under any material
agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument,
whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether
written or oral, and there has not occurred any event that, with the lapse of
time or giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default.

     5.19.  TAX AND REGULATORY MATTERS.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank has
taken or agreed to take any action or has any knowledge of any fact or
circumstance that would (i) prevent the transactions contemplated hereby from
qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or
(ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any regulatory approval required for
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                                         A-16

     5.20.  REAL PROPERTY.

            (a)  The legal description of each parcel of real property owned 
     by Jay Financial or the Bank (other than real property acquired in 
     foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure in the course of the collection of 
     loans and being held by Jay Financial or the Bank for disposition as 
     required by law) is set forth in the Disclosure Letter under the heading 
      of "Owned Real Property" (such real property being herein referred to 
     as the "Owned Real Property").  The legal description of each parcel of 
     real property leased by Jay Financial or the Bank is also set forth in 
     the Disclosure Letter under the heading of "Leased Real Property" (such 
     real property being herein referred to as the "Leased Real Property").  
     Jay Financial shall update the Disclosure Letter within ten (10) days 
     after acquiring or leasing any real property after the date hereof. 
     Collectively, the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property are 
     herein referred to as the "Real Property."

            (b)  There is no pending action involving Jay Financial or the 
     Bank as to the title of or the right to use any of the Real Property.

            (c)  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank has any interest in any 
     other real property except interests as a mortgagee, and except for any 
     real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure and 
     being held for disposition as required by law.

            (d)  None of the buildings, structures or other improvements 
     located on the Real Property encroaches upon or over any adjoining 
     parcel of real estate or any easement or right-of-way or "setback" line 
     and all such buildings, structures and improvements are located and 
     constructed in conformity with all applicable zoning ordinances and 
     building codes.

            (e)  None of the buildings, structures or improvements located on 
     the Real Property are the subject of any official complaint or notice by 
     any governmental authority of violation of any applicable zoning 
     ordinance or building code, and there is no zoning ordinance, building 
     code, use or occupancy restriction or condemnation action or proceeding 
     pending, or, to the best knowledge of Jay Financial, threatened, with 
     respect to any such building, structure or improvement.  The Real 
     Property is in good condition for its intended purpose, ordinary wear 
     and tear excepted, and has been maintained in accordance with reasonable 
     and prudent business practices applicable to like facilities.  The Real 
     Property has been used and operated in compliance with all applicable 
     laws, statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances applicable thereto.

                                         A-17

            (f)  Except as may be reflected in the Financial Information or 
     with respect to such easements, liens, defects or encumbrances as do not 
     individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the use or 
     value of the Owned Real Property, Jay Financial and the Bank have, and 
     at the Closing Date will have, good and marketable title to their 
     respective Owned Real Property.

            (g)  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank has caused or allowed the 
     generation, treatment, storage, disposal or release at any Real Property 
     of any Toxic Substance, except in accordance with all applicable 
     federal, state and local laws and regulations.  "Toxic Substance" means 
     any hazardous, toxic or dangerous substance, pollutant, waste, gas or 
     material, including, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum 
     products, metals, liquids, semi-solids or solids, that are regulated 
     under any federal, state or local statute, ordinance, rule, regulation 
     or other law pertaining to environmental protection, contamination, 
     quality, waste management or cleanup.

            (h)  Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Letter, there are no 
     underground storage tanks located on, in or under any Owned Real 
     Property. Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank own or operate any 
     underground storage tank at any Leased Real Property.

            (i)  The Real Property is not "property" within the definition of 
     Indiana Code 13-11-2-174.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank is 
     required to provide a "disclosure document" to First Merchants as a 
     result of the Merger pursuant to the Indiana Responsible Property 
     Transfer Law (I.C. Section 13-25-3-1 ET SEQ.).

            (j)  There are no mechanic's or materialman's liens against the 
     Real Property, and no unpaid claims for labor performed, materials 
     furnished or services rendered in connection with constructing, 
     improving or repairing the Real Property in respect of which liens may 
     or could be filed against the Real Property.

     5.21.  BROKER'S OR FINDER'S FEES.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure
Letter, no agent, broker or other person acting on behalf of Jay Financial or
the Bank or under any authority of Jay Financial or the Bank is or shall be
entitled to any commission, broker's or finder's fee or any other form of
compensation or payment from any of the parties hereto, other than attorneys' or
accountants' fees, in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

     5.22.  BRING DOWN OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations
and warranties of Jay Financial and the Bank contained in this Section 5 shall
be true, accurate and correct on and as of the Effective Date except as affected
by the transactions contemplated by and specified within the terms of this
Agreement.

                                         A-18

     5.23.  NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations
and warranties contained in this Section 5 shall expire on the Effective Date or
the earlier termination of this Agreement, and thereafter Jay Financial and the
Bank and all directors, officers and employees of Jay Financial and the Bank
shall have no further liability with respect thereto unless a court of competent
jurisdiction should determine that any misrepresentation or breach of a warranty
was willfully or intentionally made or is deemed to be fraudulent.

                                     SECTION 6

                                REPRESENTATIONS AND
                           WARRANTIES OF FIRST MERCHANTS

     First Merchants hereby represents and warrants to Jay Financial as follows:

     6.01.  ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.  First Merchants is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Indiana and has the
corporate power and authority to conduct its business in the manner and by the
means utilized as of the date hereof.

     6.02.  AUTHORIZATION.

            (a)  First Merchants has the corporate power and authority to 
     enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder 
     subject to certain required regulatory approvals.  The Agreement, when 
     executed and delivered, will have been duly authorized and will 
     constitute a valid and binding obligation of First Merchants, 
     enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent limited 
     by insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, readjustment of debt, or 
     other laws of general application relating to or affecting the 
     enforcement of creditor's rights.

            (b)  Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the 
     consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, does or will (i) 
     conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under 
     First Merchant's Articles of Incorporation or By-laws; (ii) conflict 
     with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under any federal, 
     foreign, state, or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or 
     court or administrative order or decree, or any note, bond, indenture, 
     mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement, or commitment, to 
     which First Merchants is subject or bound, the result of which would 
     materially affect the business or financial condition of First 
     Merchants; (iii) result in the creation of or give any person, 
     corporation or entity, the right to create any lien, charge, claim, 
     encumbrance, security interest, or any other rights of others or other 
     adverse interest upon any right, property or asset of First Merchants; 
     (iv) terminate or give any person, corporation or entity the right to 
     terminate, amend, abandon, or refuse to perform any note, bond, 
     indenture, mortgage, security

                                         A-19

     agreement, contract, arrangement, or commitment to which First Merchants is
     a party or by which First Merchant is subject or bound; or (v) accelerate
     or modify, or give any party thereto the right to accelerate or modify, the
     time within which, or the terms according to which, First Merchants is to
     perform any duties or obligations or receive any rights or benefits under
     any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, security agreement, contract,
     arrangement, or commitment.

          (c)  Other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions of
     the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, federal and state securities laws,
     and applicable Indiana banking and corporate statutes, all as amended, and
     the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, no notice to, filing
     with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any public
     body or authority is necessary for the consummation by First Merchants of
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     6.03.  CAPITALIZATION.

            (a)  As of June 30, 1998, First Merchants had 20,000,000 shares 
     of common stock authorized, no par value, of which 6,697,656 shares were 
     issued and outstanding. Such issued and outstanding shares of First 
     Merchants common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all 
     necessary corporate action of First Merchants, are validly issued, fully 
     paid and nonassessable and have not been issued in violation of any 
     preemptive rights of any shareholders.

            (b)  First Merchants has 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock 
     authorized, no par value, no shares of which have been issued and no 
     commitments exist to issue any of such shares.

            (c)  The shares of First Merchants' common stock to be issued 
     pursuant to the Merger will be fully paid, validly issued and 
     nonassessable.

     6.04.  ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.  The Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
of First Merchants in force as of the date hereof have been delivered to Jay
Financial.  The documents delivered by it represent complete and accurate copies
of the corporate documents of First Merchants in effect as of the date of this
Agreement.

     6.05.  ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS.  Neither this Agreement nor any report,
statement, list, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished
by First Merchants to Jay Financial in connection with this Agreement or any of
the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, any
information which has been or shall be supplied by First Merchants with respect
to its business, operations and financial condition for inclusion in the proxy
statement and registration statement relating to the Merger) contains or shall
contain (in the case of information relating to the proxy statement at the time
it is mailed and to the registration statement at the time it becomes effective)
any untrue statement of a material fact

                                         A-20

or omits or shall omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are
made, not misleading.

     6.06.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.  First Merchants has not engaged in any
activity nor taken or omitted to take any action which has resulted or, to the
knowledge of First Merchants, could result in the violation of any local, state,
federal or foreign law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance or of any order,
injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or body, the
violation of which could materially adversely affect the business, prospects,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of First Merchants.
First Merchants possesses all licenses, franchises, permits and other
authorizations necessary for the continued conduct of its business without
material interference or interruption.  There are no agreements or
understandings with, nor any orders or directives of, any regulatory agencies or
government authorities, which would have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position of First Merchants.  First Merchants has
received no written inquiries from any regulatory agency or government authority
relating to its compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act
or the Community Reinvestment Act.

     6.07.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  First Merchants consolidated balance sheets
as of the end of the three (3) fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997 and the six months ended June 30, 1998 and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years or
period then ended present fairly the consolidated financial condition or
position of First Merchants as of the respective dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations of First Merchants for the respective periods
covered thereby and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.  All required regulatory
reports have been filed by First Merchants with its primary federal regulator
during 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and all of such reports are true, accurate and
complete in all material respects and have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted regulatory accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis.

     6.08.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Except for events and conditions
relating to the business environment in general, since June 30, 1998, no events
or conditions of any character, whether actual, threatened or contemplated, have
occurred, or can reasonably be expected to occur, which materially adversely
affect First Merchants consolidated business, prospects, conditions (financial
or otherwise), assets or results of operations or which have caused, or can
reasonably be expected to cause, First Merchants business, on a consolidated
basis, to be conducted in a materially less profitable manner than prior to June
30, 1998.

     6.09.  FIRST MERCHANTS SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS.  First
Merchants has filed all reports and other documents required to be filed by it
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933,
including First Merchants' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1998, copies of which have previously been delivered to Jay Financial.

                                         A-21

     6.10.  BRING DOWN OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations
and warranties of First Merchants contained in this Section 6 shall be true,
accurate and correct on and as of the Effective Date except as affected by the
transactions contemplated by and specified within the terms of this Agreement.

     6.11.  NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations
and warranties contained in this Section 6 shall expire on the Effective Date or
the earlier termination of this Agreement, and thereafter First Merchants and
all directors, officers and employees of First Merchants shall have no further
liability with respect thereto unless a court of competent jurisdiction should
determine that any misrepresentation or breach of a warranty was willfully or
intentionally made or is deemed to be fraudulent.

                                     SECTION 7

                             COVENANTS OF JAY FINANCIAL

     Jay Financial covenants and agrees with First Merchants, and covenants and
agrees to cause the Bank to act, as follows:

     7.01.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  Jay Financial shall submit this Agreement to
its shareholders for approval at a meeting to be called and held in accordance
with applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of Jay
Financial at the earliest possible reasonable date, and the Board of Directors
of Jay Financial shall recommend to the shareholders of Jay Financial that such
shareholders approve this Agreement.  The Board of Directors of Jay Financial
shall use its best efforts to obtain any vote of its shareholders necessary for
the approval of this Agreement.

     7.02.  OTHER APPROVALS.  Jay Financial and the Bank shall proceed
expeditiously, cooperate fully and use their best efforts to procure upon
reasonable terms and conditions all consents, authorizations, approvals,
registrations and certificates, to complete all filings and applications and to
satisfy all other requirements prescribed by law which are necessary for
consummation of the Merger on the terms and conditions provided in this
Agreement at the earliest possible reasonable date.

     7.03.  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.

            (a)  On and after the date of this Agreement and until the 
     Effective Date or until this Agreement shall be terminated as herein 
     provided, neither Jay Financial nor the Bank shall, without the prior 
     written consent of First Merchants, (i) make any material changes in 
     their capital structure; (ii) authorize a class of stock or issue, or 
     authorize the issuance of, stock other than or in addition to the 
     outstanding stock as set forth in

                                         A-22

     Section 5.03 hereof; (iii) declare, distribute or pay any dividends on
     their shares of common stock, or authorize a stock split, or make any other
     distribution to their shareholders, except for (a) the payment by Jay
     Financial prior to the Effective Date of customary quarterly cash dividends
     on its common stock in October, 1998, December, 1998, and April, 1999,
     which dividends shall not exceed fifty cents ($.50) per share,
     respectively, provided that Jay Financial shall not pay any such dividend
     during the fiscal quarter in which the Merger shall become effective and in
     which Jay Financial shareholders will become entitled to receive dividends
     on the shares of First Merchants into which the shares of Jay Financial
     have been converted or in any subsequent fiscal quarter, and (b) the
     payment by the Bank to Jay Financial of dividends to pay Jay Financial's
     expenses of operations and its business and payment of fees and expenses
     incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement; (iv) merge, combine or consolidate with or sell their assets or
     any of their securities to any other person, corporation or entity, effect
     a share exchange or enter into any other transaction not in the ordinary
     course of business; (v) incur any liability or obligation, make any
     commitment, payment or disbursement, enter into any contract, agreement,
     understanding or arrangement or engage in any transaction, or acquire or
     dispose of any property or asset having a fair market value in excess of
     $10,000.00 (except for personal or real property acquired or disposed of in
     connection with foreclosures on mortgages or enforcement of security
     interests and loans made or sold by the Bank in the ordinary course of
     business); (vi) subject any of their properties or assets to a mortgage,
     lien, claim, charge, option, restriction, security interest or encumbrance;
     (vii) promote or increase or decrease the rate of compensation (except for
     promotions and non-material increases in the ordinary course of business
     and in accordance with past practices) or enter into any agreement to
     promote or increase or decrease the rate of compensation of any director,
     officer or employee of Jay Financial or the Bank; (viii) execute, create,
     institute, modify or amend any pension, retirement, savings, stock
     purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock option, stock appreciation or
     depreciation right or profit sharing plans, any employment, deferred
     compensation, consultant, bonus or collective bargaining agreement, group
     insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or
     agreement for current or former directors, officers or employees of Jay
     Financial or the Bank, change the level of benefits or payments under any
     of the foregoing or increase or decrease any severance or termination of
     pay benefits or any other fringe or employee benefits other than as
     required by law or regulatory authorities; (ix) amend their Articles of
     Incorporation or By-Laws from those in effect on the date of this
     Agreement; (x) modify, amend or institute new employment policies or
     practices, or enter into, renew or extend any employment or severance
     agreements with respect to any present or former Jay Financial or Bank
     directors, officers or employees; (xi) give, dispose, sell, convey, assign,
     hypothecate, pledge, encumber or otherwise transfer or grant a security
     interest in any common stock of the Bank; (xii) fail to make additions to
     the Bank's reserve for loan losses, or any other reserve account, in the
     ordinary course of business and in accordance with sound banking practices;
     (xiii) other than in the ordinary course of

                                         A-23

     business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed
     money or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become
     responsible or liable for the obligations of any other individual,
     corporation or other entity; and (xiv) agree in writing or otherwise to
     take any of the foregoing actions.

            (b)  Jay Financial and the Bank shall maintain, or cause to be 
     maintained, in full force and effect insurance on its properties and 
     operations and fidelity coverage on its directors, officers and 
     employees in such amounts and with regard to such liabilities and 
     hazards as customarily are maintained by other companies operating 
     similar businesses.

            (c)  Jay Financial and the Bank shall continue to give to First 
     Merchants and its employees, accountants, attorneys and other authorized 
     representatives reasonable access during regular business hours and 
     other reasonable times to all their premises, properties, statements, 
     books and records.

     7.04.  PRESERVATION OF BUSINESS.  On and after the date of this Agreement
and until the Effective Date or until this Agreement is terminated as herein
provided, Jay Financial and the Bank each shall (a) carry on their business
diligently, substantially in the same manner as heretofore conducted, and in the
ordinary course of business; (b) use their best efforts to preserve their
business organizations intact, to keep their present officers and employees and
to preserve their present relationship with customers and others having business
dealings with them; and (c) not do or fail to do anything which will cause a
material breach of, or material default in, any contract, agreement, commitment,
obligation, understanding, arrangement, lease or license to which they are a
party or by which they are or may be subject or bound.

     7.05.  OTHER NEGOTIATIONS.  Except with the prior written approval of First
Merchants, on and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Date,
Jay Financial and the Bank shall not, and shall not permit or authorize their
respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives to,
directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit, encourage, or engage in discussions
or negotiations with, or provide information to, any corporation, association,
partnership, person or other entity or group concerning any merger,
consolidation, share exchange, combination, purchase or sale of substantial
assets, sale of shares of capital stock (or securities convertible or
exchangeable into or otherwise evidencing, or any agreement or instrument
evidencing the right to acquire, capital stock), tender offer, acquisition of
control of Jay Financial or the Bank or similar transaction involving Jay
Financial or the Bank (all such transactions hereinafter referred to as an
"Acquisition Transaction").  Jay Financial and the Bank shall promptly
communicate to First Merchants the terms of any proposal, written or oral, which
either may receive with respect to an Acquisition Transaction and any request by
or indication of interest on the part of any third party with respect to
initiation of any Acquisition Transaction or discussion with respect thereto.

                                         A-24

     7.06.  RESTRICTIONS REGARDING AFFILIATES.  Jay Financial shall, within
thirty (30) days after the date of this Agreement and promptly thereafter until
the Effective Date to reflect any changes or upon the request of First
Merchants, provide First Merchants with a list identifying each person who may
reasonably be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Jay Financial within the meaning of
such term as used in Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act").  Each director, executive officer and other person who is an
"affiliate" of Jay Financial for purposes of the 1933 Act shall deliver to First
Merchants, at least thirty-one (31) days prior to the Effective Date, a written
agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel to First Merchants,
regarding compliance by each such person with (i) the provisions of such Rule
145, and (ii) the requirements of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16
regarding the disposition of shares (or reduction of risk with respect thereto)
of Jay Financial common stock during the thirty (30) days preceding the
Effective Date, or First Merchants common stock until such time as financial
results covering at least thirty (30) days of post-Merger operations have been
published.

     7.07.  PRESS RELEASE.  Neither Jay Financial nor the Bank shall issue any
press releases or make any other public announcements or disclosures relating to
the Merger without the prior approval of First Merchants.

     7.08.  DISCLOSURE LETTER.  Within five (5) business days after the date of
execution of this Agreement by both First Merchants and Jay Financial, Jay
Financial shall deliver to First Merchants the Disclosure Letter referenced in
Section 5 hereof in complete form containing all required information as of the
date of this Agreement along with copies of all documents, instruments, and
agreements referenced in the Disclosure Letter.  Upon receipt of the Disclosure
Letter, First Merchants shall have the opportunity to review the Disclosure
Letter and all documents, instruments, and agreements provided therewith and
conduct such additional due diligence and review of Jay Financial and the Bank
as First Merchants deems necessary.  Within ten (10) business days after receipt
by First Merchants of the Disclosure Letter from Jay Financial, First Merchants
shall have the right to either (i) accept the complete Disclosure Letter by
having an authorized executive officer of First Merchants initial the Disclosure
Letter and delivering an initialed copy to Jay Financial, or (ii) provide Jay
Financial with written notice of termination of this Agreement by First
Merchants in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01(j) hereof.  In the event
the Disclosure Letter is accepted by First Merchants, Jay Financial shall
thereafter promptly supplement, amend and update monthly and as of the Effective
Date the Disclosure Letter with respect to any matters hereafter arising which,
if in existence or having occurred as of the date of this Agreement, would have
been required to be set forth or described in the Disclosure Letter.

     7.09  CONFIDENTIALITY.  Jay Financial and the Bank shall use their best
efforts to cause their respective officers, employees, and authorized
representatives to, hold in strict confidence all confidential data and
information obtained by them from First Merchants, unless such information (i)
was already known to Jay Financial and the Bank, (ii) becomes available to Jay
Financial and the Bank from other sources, (iii) is independently developed by
Jay Financial

                                         A-25

and the Bank, (iv) is disclosed outside of Jay Financial and the Bank with and
in accordance with the terms of prior written approval of First Merchants, or
(v) is or becomes readily ascertainable from public or published information or
trade sources or public disclosure of such information is required by law or
requested by a court or other governmental agency, commission, or regulatory
body.  Jay Financial and the Bank further agree that in the event this Agreement
is terminated, it will return to First Merchants all information obtained by Jay
Financial and the Bank regarding First Merchants, including all copies made of
such information by Jay Financial and the Bank.  This provision shall survive
the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

     7.10  COOPERATION.  Jay Financial shall generally cooperate with First
Merchants and its officers, employees, attorneys, accountants and other agents,
and, generally, do such other acts and things in good faith as may be
reasonable, necessary or appropriate to timely effectuate the intents and
purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, including, without limitation, (i) Jay Financial shall cooperate and
assist First Merchants in preparation of and/or filing of all regulatory
applications, the registration statement for registration of First Merchants'
shares, and all other documentation required to be prepared for consummation of
the Merger and obtaining all necessary approvals, and (ii) Jay Financial shall
furnish First Merchants with all information concerning itself and the Bank that
First Merchants may request in connection with the preparation of the
documentation referenced above.  Prior to the Closing (as defined in Section 12
hereof), Jay Financial agrees to disclose to First Merchants any fact or matter
that comes to the attention of Jay Financial that might indicate that any of the
representations or warranties of Jay Financial may be untrue, incorrect, or
misleading in any material respect.

     7.11. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS.  Jay Financial, at its sole cost and expense,
shall provide to First Merchants, as soon as reasonably practical, but not later
than thirty (30) days after the date hereof, a report of a phase one
environmental investigation on all real property owned, leased or operated by
Jay Financial or the Bank as of the date hereof (but excluding space in retail
and similar establishments leased by Jay Financial or the Bank for automatic
teller machines or bank branch facilities where the space leased comprises less
than 20% of the total space leased to all tenants of such property) and within
ten (10) days after the acquisition or lease of any real property acquired or
leased by Jay Financial or the Bank after the date hereof (but excluding space
in retail and similar establishments leased by Jay Financial or the Bank for
automatic teller machines or bank branch facilities where the space leased
comprises less than 20% of the total space leased to all tenants of such
property).  If required by the phase one investigation in First Merchants'
reasonable opinion, Jay Financial shall provide to First Merchants, within
thirty (30) days of such request, a report of a phase two investigation on
properties requiring such additional study.  First Merchants shall have fifteen
(15) business days from the receipt of any such phase one or phase two
investigation report to notify Jay Financial of any dissatisfaction with the
contents of such report.  Should the cost of taking all remedial or other
corrective actions and measures (i) required by applicable law or reasonable
likely to be required by applicable law, or (ii) recommended or suggested by
such report or

                                         A-26

reports as prudent in light of serious life, health or safety concerns, in the
aggregate, exceed the sum of $250,000 as reasonably estimated by an
environmental expert retained for such purpose by First Merchants and reasonably
acceptable to Jay Financial, or if the cost of such actions and measures cannot
be so reasonably estimated by such expert to be such amount or less with any
reasonable degree of certainty, then First Merchants shall have the right for a
period of fifteen (15) business days following receipt of such estimate or
indication that the cost of such actions and measures cannot be so reasonably
estimated to terminate this Agreement by providing written notice of such
termination to Jay Financial.

     7.12. LETTER TO JAY FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDERS.  Within two (2) business days
after execution of this Agreement by Jay Financial and First Merchants, Jay
Financial shall deposit in the United States mail a letter to each of the
shareholders of record of Jay Financial as of the date of execution of this
Agreement informing each shareholder about the execution of this Agreement and
the proposed Merger.  The terms of such letter to the shareholders of Jay
Financial shall be in a form mutually agreed to by First Merchants and Jay
Financial.

                                     SECTION 8

                             COVENANTS OF FIRST MERCHANTS

     First Merchants covenants and agrees with Jay Financial as follows:

     8.01.  APPROVALS. First Merchants shall proceed expeditiously, cooperate
fully and use its best efforts to procure upon reasonable terms and conditions
all consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations and certificates, to
complete all filings and applications and to satisfy all other requirements
prescribed by law which are necessary for consummation of the Merger on the
terms and conditions provided in this Agreement. First Merchants shall provide
Jay Financial with copies of proposed regulatory filings in connection with the
Merger and afford Jay Financial the opportunity to offer comment on the filings
before filing.  The approval of the shareholders of First Merchants of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not required.

     8.02.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

            (a)     COVERAGE UNDER FIRST MERCHANTS' PLANS.  No later than
     January 1, 2000, First Merchants will cover the Bank's employees under any
     tax-qualified retirement plan First Merchants maintains for its employees,
     provided that such an employee meets the applicable participation
     requirements, in lieu of the Bank's current tax-qualified retirement plan.
     Until that time, the Bank's current tax-qualified retirement plan will be
     maintained at the same level, with respect to benefit accruals, provided
     for on the Effective Date.  Following the Effective Date, the Bank
     employees will otherwise receive employee benefits that in the aggregate
     are substantially

                                         A-27

     comparable to the employee benefits provided to those employees by Jay
     Financial or the Bank on the Effective Date.  For purposes of determining a
     Jay Financial or Bank employee's eligibility and vesting service under a
     First Merchant's employee benefit plan that the employee is permitted to
     enter, service with Jay Financial or the Bank will be treated as service
     with First Merchants; provided, however, that service with Jay Financial or
     the Bank shall not be treated as service with First Merchants for purposes
     of benefit accrual.

            (b)  COVERAGE UNDER FIRST MERCHANTS' HEALTH PLAN.  Those 
     employees of the Bank who become covered by the health plan sponsored by 
     First Merchants under the provisions of subsection (a) and who are, at 
     such time, subject to an eligibility waiting period due to a 
     pre-existing condition exclusion or limitation under the Bank's health 
     plan which also constitutes a pre-existing condition exclusion or 
     limitation under the health plan sponsored by First Merchants shall 
     receive credit towards the satisfaction under the First Merchants health 
     plan of any waiting period imposed with respect to such pre-existing 
     condition exclusion or limitation.

            (c)  CONTINUATION OF THE BANK'S DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS.  
     From and after the Effective Date, First Merchants shall use its best 
     efforts to continue or cause the Bank to continue, in accordance with 
     their respective terms, the nonqualified deferred compensation plans 
     sponsored by Jay Financial and the Bank for the benefit of the members 
     of the Board of Directors of Jay Financial and the Bank and the 
     employees of the Bank, provided such plans do not require additional 
     cash contributions or benefit accruals by the Bank or First Merchants 
     beyond what has been contributed or earned in terms of an accrued 
     benefit as of the Effective Date.  First Merchants reserves the right, 
     however, to amend any and all such plans so as to prevent any new 
     employees or directors of the Bank or Jay Financial from becoming 
     eligible thereunder.

     8.03.  FIRST MERCHANTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  First Merchants shall cause all
necessary action to be taken to cause the current President of the Bank, Barry
Hudson, to either (i) be nominated for election as a member of the First
Merchants' Board of Directors for a three (3)-year term at the first annual
meeting of the shareholders of First Merchants following the Effective Date or
(ii) to be appointed as a member of the First Merchants' Board of Directors at
the next meeting of the First Merchants' Board of Directors following the
Effective Date to serve until the first annual meeting of the shareholders of
First Merchants following the Effective Date and then to be nominated for
election as a member of the First Merchants' Board of Directors for a three
(3)-year term at the first annual meeting of the shareholders of First Merchants
following the Effective Date, whichever can be effected first depending on the
timing of the occurrence of the Effective Date.

     8.04.  PRESS RELEASE.  Except as required by law, First Merchants shall not
issue any press release to any national wire service relating solely to the
Merger without the prior approval of Jay Financial.

                                         A-28

     8.05.  CONFIDENTIALITY. First Merchants shall, and shall use its best
efforts to cause its officers, employees, and authorized representatives to,
hold in strict confidence all confidential data and information obtained by it
from Jay Financial or the Bank, unless such information (i) was already known to
First Merchants, (ii) becomes available to First Merchants from other sources,
(iii) is independently developed by First Merchants, (iv) is disclosed outside
of First Merchants with and in accordance with the terms of prior written
approval of Jay Financial or the Bank, or (v) is or becomes readily
ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or public
disclosure of such information is required by law or requested by a court or
other governmental agency, commission, or regulatory body. First Merchants
further agrees that in the event this Agreement is terminated, it will return to
Jay Financial all information obtained by First Merchants regarding Jay
Financial or the Bank, including all copies made of such information by First
Merchants.  This provision shall survive the Effective Date or the earlier
termination of this Agreement.

     8.06.  COVENANTS REGARDING THE BANK.  Upon consummation of the Merger, the
Bank shall be a national bank organized under the laws of the United States and
the officers and directors of the Bank in office immediately prior to the
consummation of the Merger shall be the officers and directors of the Bank at
the Effective Date subject to the provisions of the Bank's Articles of
Association and By-Laws.  Thereafter, the Bank directors who desire to continue
to serve in that capacity shall do so for at least the remainder of the one (1)
year terms to which they have been elected.  The Bank directors will be subject
to First Merchants' policy of mandatory retirement at age seventy (70);
provided, however, the policy of mandatory retirement will not apply to any of
the Bank's current directors until twelve (12) months after the Effective Date.
First Merchants intends to continue to operate the Bank as an operating
subsidiary of First Merchants under the name "The First National Bank of
Portland" with no changes in the number or locations of branches.

                                     SECTION 9

                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER

     The obligation of each of the parties hereto to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction and fulfillment of
each of the following conditions on or prior to the Effective Date:

     9.01.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  The shareholders of Jay Financial shall have
approved, ratified and confirmed this Agreement as required by applicable law.

     9.02.  REGISTRATION STATEMENT EFFECTIVE. First Merchants shall have
registered its shares of common stock to be issued to shareholders of Jay
Financial in accordance with this Agreement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the 1933 Act, and all

                                         A-29

state securities and "blue sky" approvals and authorizations required to offer
and sell such shares shall have been received by First Merchants.  The
registration statement with respect thereto shall have been declared effective
by the Securities and Exchange Commission and no stop order shall have been
issued or threatened.

     9.03.  TAX OPINION.  The parties shall have obtained an opinion of counsel,
which shall be in form and content satisfactory to counsel for all parties
hereto, to the effect that the Merger effected pursuant to this Agreement shall
constitute a tax-free transaction (except to the extent cash or boot is
received) to each party hereto and to the shareholders of each party.  Such
opinion shall be based upon factual representations received by such counsel
from the parties, which representations may take the form of written
certifications.

     9.04.  AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS.  First Merchants and the Bank shall have
obtained (a) from Jay Financial, a list identifying each affiliate of Jay
Financial and (b) from each affiliate of Jay Financial, the agreements
contemplated by Section 7.06 hereof.

     9.05.  REGULATORY APPROVALS.  The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions shall have
authorized and approved the Merger and the transactions related thereto.  In
addition, all appropriate orders, consents, approvals and clearances from all
other regulatory agencies and governmental authorities whose orders, consents,
approvals or clearances are required by law for consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained.

     9.06.  OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE. First Merchants and Jay Financial shall have
delivered to each other a certificate signed by their Chairman or President and
their Secretary, dated the Effective Date, certifying that (a) all the
representations and warranties of their respective corporations are true,
accurate and correct on and as of the Effective Date; (b) all the covenants of
their respective corporations have been complied with from the date of this
Agreement through and as of the Effective Date; and (c) their respective
corporations have satisfied and fully complied with all conditions necessary to
make this Agreement effective as to them.

     9.07.  FAIRNESS OPINION.  Jay Financial shall have obtained an opinion from
an investment banker of its choosing to the effect that the terms of the Merger
are fair to the shareholders of Jay Financial from a financial viewpoint.  Such
opinion shall be (a) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Jay
Financial, (b) dated as of a date not later than the mailing date of the Proxy
Statement relating to the Merger and (c) included in the Proxy Statement.

     9.08.  POOLING OF INTERESTS. First Merchants shall have obtained from its
independent accountants, Olive, LLC, a letter stating that, based upon their
review of such documents and information which they deemed relevant, such firm
is currently unaware of any reason why the Merger cannot be accounted for as a
"pooling of interests."

                                         A-30

     9.09.  NO JUDICIAL PROHIBITION.  Neither Jay Financial, the Bank nor First
Merchants shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court or
agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits the consummation of
the Merger.

     9.10.     CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS.  First Merchants shall have offered
Change of Control Agreements to Barry Hudson and Jim Meinerding.

                                     SECTION 10

                                TERMINATION OF MERGER

     10.01.  MANNER OF TERMINATION.  This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Date by
written notice delivered by First Merchants to Jay Financial or by Jay Financial
to First Merchants only for the following reasons:

            (a)  By Jay Financial or First Merchants, if there has been a 
     material misrepresentation, a breach of warranty or a failure to comply 
     with any covenant on the part of any party in the representations, 
     warranties, and covenants set forth herein; provided that the party in 
     default shall have no right to terminate for its own default;

            (b)  By Jay Financial or First Merchants, if it shall determine 
     in its sole discretion that the transactions contemplated by this 
     Agreement have become inadvisable or impracticable by reason of 
     commencement or threat of material litigation or proceedings against any 
     of the parties;

            (c)  By Jay Financial or First Merchants, if the financial 
     condition, business, assets, or results of operations of the other party 
     shall have been materially and adversely changed from that in existence 
     at June 30, 1998;

            (d)  By Jay Financial or First Merchants, if the transaction 
     contemplated herein has not been consummated by April 30, 1999 (provided 
     that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any 
     representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);

            (e)  By First Merchants if any of the items, events or 
     information set forth in any update to the Disclosure Letter has had or 
     may have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results 
     of operations, business, or prospects of Jay Financial or the Bank;

                                         A-31

            (f)  By First Merchants or Jay Financial if, in the opinion of 
     counsel to First Merchants or Jay Financial, the Merger will not 
     constitute a tax-free reorganization under the Code;

            (g)  By First Merchants if the Merger cannot be accounted for as 
     a "pooling of interests";

            (h)  By First Merchants or Jay Financial pursuant to their 
     respective termination rights set forth in Section 3.04 hereof;

            (i)  By First Merchants pursuant to its termination rights set 
     forth in Section 7.11 hereof; or

            (j)  By First Merchants, if it shall determine in its sole 
     discretion that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have 
     become inadvisable or impracticable by reason of any matters disclosed 
     in the Disclosure Letter received by First Merchants in accordance with 
     Section 7.08 hereof or contained in any of the documents, instruments or 
     agreements referenced in the Disclosure Letter.

     10.02.  EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  Upon termination by written notice, as
provided in this Section, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force
or effect and there shall be no obligation on the part of Jay Financial or First
Merchants or their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, or
shareholders, except for payment of their respective expenses and performance of
their respective obligations under Sections 7.09 and 8.05.

                                     SECTION 11

                               EFFECTIVE DATE OF MERGER

     Subject to the terms and upon satisfaction of all requirements of law and
the conditions specified in this Agreement, the Merger shall become effective at
the close of business on the day specified in the Articles of Merger of Jay
Financial with and into First Merchants as filed with the Secretary of State of
the State of Indiana (the "Effective Date").  The Effective Date shall occur no
later than the last business day of the month in which any waiting period
following the last approval of the Merger by a state or federal regulatory
agency or governmental authority expires.

                                         A-32

                                     SECTION 12

                                      CLOSING

     12.01.  CLOSING DATE AND PLACE.  The closing of the Merger (the "Closing")
shall take place at the main office of First Merchants on the Effective Date or
at such other place as mutually agreed to by First Merchants and Jay Financial.

     12.02.  ARTICLES OF MERGER.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
on the Effective Date, the Articles of Merger shall be duly filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Indiana.

     12.03.  OPINIONS OF COUNSEL.  At the Closing, Jay Financial shall deliver
an opinion of its counsel, Krieg DeVault Alexander & Capehart, to First
Merchants, and First Merchants shall deliver an opinion of its counsel, Bingham
Summers Welsh & Spilman, to Jay Financial, dated as of the date of the Closing.
The form of such opinions shall be as mutually agreed to by the parties hereto
and their respective counsel.

                                     SECTION 13

                                   MISCELLANEOUS

     13.01.  EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns, but none of the provisions thereof shall inure to the benefit
of any other person, firm, or corporation whomsoever, except as expressly
applied to the officers and directors of First Merchants and Jay Financial.
Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations
hereunder shall be assigned or transferred by either party hereto without the
prior written consent of the other party.

     13.02.  WAIVER; AMENDMENT.

            (a)  First Merchants and Jay Financial may, by an instrument in 
     writing executed in the same manner as this Agreement: (i) extend the 
     time for the performance of any of the covenants or agreements of the 
     other party under this Agreement; (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the 
     representations or warranties of the other party contained in this 
     Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto; (iii) 
     waive the performance by the other party of any of the covenants or 
     agreements to be performed by it or them under this Agreement; or (iv) 
     waive the satisfaction or fulfillment of any condition the 
     nonsatisfaction or nonfulfillment of which is a condition to the right 
     of the party so waiving to terminate this Agreement.  The waiver by any

                                         A-33

     party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not
     operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach
     hereunder.

            (b)  Notwithstanding the prior approval by the shareholders of 
     Jay Financial, this Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented 
     by the written agreement of Jay Financial and First Merchants without 
     further approval of such shareholders, except that no such amendment, 
     modification or supplement shall result in a decrease in the 
     consideration specified in Section 3 hereof or shall materially 
     adversely affect the rights of the shareholders of Jay Financial without 
     the further approval of such shareholders.

     13.03.  NOTICES.  Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall
be deemed to have been duly given if delivered in person, receipted for or sent
by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:

     If to First Merchants:             With a copy to:

     200 E. Jackson Street, Box 792     Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman
     Muncie, IN  47305                  2700 Market Tower
     Attn:  Stefan S. Anderson,         10 West Market Street
       President and Chief Executive    Indianapolis, Indiana  46204-2982
       Officer                          Attn:  David R. Prechtel, Esq.

     If to Jay Financial:               With a copy to:

     112 West Main Street               Krieg DeVault Alexander & Capehart
     P.O. Box 1089                      One Indiana Square, Suite 2800
     Portland, IN 47371                 Indianapolis, Indiana  46204
     Attn:  Barry Hudson, President     Attn:  Michael E. Williams, Esq.

or to such substituted address as any of them have given to the other in
writing.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, all notices required to be given
pursuant to Sections 3.04(b) and 3.04(c) hereof shall be given in the time
periods specified in such sections by either hand delivery or facsimile
transmission to the specified parties.

     13.04.  HEADINGS.  The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely
for the ease of reference and should not be considered in the interpretation or
construction of this Agreement.

     13.05.  SEVERABILITY.  In case any one or more of the provisions contained
herein shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable
in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not
affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this

                                         A-34

Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable
provision or provisions had never been contained herein.

     13.06. COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument.  In addition, this Agreement
and the documents to be delivered hereunder may be executed by the parties
hereto either manually or by facsimile signatures, each of which shall
constitute an original signature.

     13.07.  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement is executed in and shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana.

     13.08.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement supersedes any other agreement,
whether oral or written, between First Merchants and Jay Financial relating to
the matters contemplated hereby, and constitutes the entire agreement between
the parties hereto.

     13.09.  EXPENSES. First Merchants and Jay Financial shall each pay their
own expenses incidental to the transactions contemplated hereby.  It is
understood that the cost of the fairness opinion referenced in Section 9.07
shall be borne by Jay Financial whether or not the Merger is consummated.  This
provision shall survive the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this
Agreement.

                                         A-35

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, First Merchants and Jay Financial have made and entered
into this Agreement as of the day and year first above written and have caused
this Agreement to be executed and attested by their duly authorized officers.

                                   FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
ATTEST:

/s/ Larry R. Helms                 By:  /s/ Stefan S. Anderson
- -------------------------------       -------------------------------------
Larry R. Helms, Secretary             Stefan S. Anderson, President and Chief
                                      Executive Officer

                                   JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
ATTEST:

/s/ Stephen Myron                  By: /s/ Barry Hudson
- -------------------------------       -------------------------------------
Stephen Myron, M.D., Secretary        Barry Hudson, President

                                         A-36

                                     APPENDIX B

                                     CHAPTER 44

                                 DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

     23-1-44-1.     "CORPORATION" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter,
"corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter before the
corporate action, or the surviving or acquiring corporation by merger or share
exchange of that issuer.   [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-2.     "DISSENTER" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter, "dissenter"
means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from corporate action under
section 8 [IC 23-1-44-8] of this chapter and who exercises that right when and
in the manner required by sections 10 through 18 [IC 23-1-44-10 through IC
23-1-44-18] of this chapter.  [P.L.149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-3.     "FAIR VALUE" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter, "fair
value," with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value of the shares
immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which the
dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of
the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable.  [P.L. 149-1986,
Section 28.]

     23-1-44-4.     "INTEREST" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter, "interest"
means interest from the effective date of the corporate action until the date of
payment, at the average rate currently paid by the corporation on its principal
bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is fair and equitable under all the
circumstances.  [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-5.     "RECORD SHAREHOLDER" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter,
"record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are registered in the
records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent that
treatment as a record shareholder is provided under a recognition procedure or a
disclosure procedure established under IC 23-1-30-4.  [P.L. 149-1986, Section
28.]

     23-1-44-6.     "BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDER" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter,
"beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial owner of shares
held by a nominee as the record shareholder.  [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-7.     "SHAREHOLDER" DEFINED. - As used in this chapter,
"shareholder" means the record shareholder or the beneficial shareholder.  [P.L.
149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-8.     SHAREHOLDER DISSENT. - (a) A shareholder is entitled to
dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of the shareholder's shares
in the event of, any of the following corporate actions:

                                         B-1

          (1)  Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a
          party if:

               (A)  Shareholder approval is required for the merger by IC 23-1-
                    40-3 or the articles of incorporation; and

               (B)  The shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger.

          (2)  Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation
          is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the
          shareholder is entitled to vote on the plan.

          (3)  Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all,
          of the property of the corporation other than in the usual and regular
          course of business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the sale
          or exchange, including a sale in dissolution, but not including a sale
          pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which
          all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale will be
          distributed to the shareholders within one (1) year after the date of
          sale.

          (4)  The approval of a control share acquisition under IC 23-1-42.

          (5)  Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
          extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the
          board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are
          entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

     (b)  This section does not apply to the holders of shares of any class or
series if, on the date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive
notice of and vote at the meeting of shareholders at which the merger, plan of
share exchange, or sale or exchange of property is to be acted on, the shares of
that class or series were:

          (1)  Registered on a United States securities exchange registered
          under the Exchange Act (as defined in IC 23-1-43-9); or

          (2)  Traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
          Automated Quotations System Over-the-Counter Markets - National Market
          Issues or a similar market.

     (c)  A shareholder:

          (1)  Who is entitled to dissent and obtain payment for the
          shareholder's shares under this chapter; or

          (2)  Who would be so entitled to dissent and obtain payment but for
          the provisions of subsection (b);

                                         B-2

     may not challenge the corporate action creating (or that, but for the
     provisions of subsection (b), would have created) the shareholder's
     entitlement. [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28; P.L. 107-1987, Section 19.]

     23-1-44-9.     BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDER DISSENT. - (a) A record shareholder
may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than all the shares registered in the
shareholder's name only if the shareholder dissents with respect to all shares
beneficially owned by any one (1) person and notifies the corporation in writing
of the name and address of each person on whose behalf the shareholder asserts
dissenters' rights. The rights of a partial dissenter under this subsection are
determined as if the shares as to which the shareholder dissents and the
shareholder's other shares were registered in the names of different
shareholders.

     (b)  A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on the shareholder's behalf only if:

          (1)  The beneficial shareholder submits to the corporation the record
          shareholder's written consent to the dissent not later than the time
          the beneficial shareholder asserts dissenters' rights and

          (2)  The beneficial shareholder does so with respect to all the
          beneficial shareholder's shares or those shares over which the
          beneficial shareholder has power to direct the vote. [P.L. 149-1986,
          Section 28.]

     23-1-44-10.    NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS PRECEDING SHAREHOLDER VOTE. -
(a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 8 [IC
23-1-44-8] of this chapter is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting,
the meeting notice must state that shareholders are or may be entitled to assert
dissenters' rights under this chapter.

     (b)  If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 8 of
this chapter is taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation shall
notify in writing all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that
the action was taken and send them the dissenters' notice described in section
12 [IC 23-1-44-121 of this chapter. [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28; P.L. 107-1987,
Section 20.]

     23-1-44-11.    NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISSENT. - (a) If proposed corporate
action creating dissenters' rights under section 8 [IC 23-1-44-8] of this
chapter is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a shareholder who
wishes to assert dissenters' rights:

          (1)  Must deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken written
          notice of the shareholder's intent to demand payment for the
          shareholder's shares if the proposed action is effectuated; and

          (2)  Must not vote the shareholder's shares in favor of the proposed
          action.

                                         B-3

     (b)  A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)
is not entitled to payment for the shareholder's shares under this chapter.
[P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-12.    NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS FOLLOWING ACTION CREATING
RIGHTS. - (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
section 8 [IC 23-1-44-8] of this chapter is authorized at a shareholders'
meeting, the corporation shall deliver a written dissenters' notice to all
shareholders who satisfied the requirements of section 11 [IC 23-1-44-11] of
this chapter.

     (b)  The dissenters' notice must be sent no later than ten (10) days after
approval by the shareholders, or if corporate action is taken without approval
by the shareholders, then ten (10) days after the corporate action was taken.
The dissenters' notice must:

          (1)  State where the payment demand must be sent and where and when
          certificates for certificated shares must be deposited;

          (2)  Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer
          of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;

          (3)  Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the
          first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of
          the proposed corporate action and requires that the person asserting
          dissenters' rights certify whether or not the person acquired
          beneficial ownership of the shares before that date;

          (4)  Set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment
          demand, which date may not be fewer than thirty (30) nor more than
          sixty (60) days after the date the subsection (a) notice is delivered;
          and

          (5)  Be accompanied by a copy of this chapter. [P.L. 149-1986, Section
          28.]

     23-1-44-13.    DEMAND FOR PAYMENT BY DISSENTER. - (a) A shareholder sent a
dissenters' notice described in IC 23-1-42-11 or in section 12 [IC 23-1-44-12]
of this chapter must demand payment, certify whether the shareholder acquired
beneficial ownership of the shares before the date required to be set forth in
the dissenters' notice under section 12(b)(3) [IC 23-1-44-12(b)(3)] of this
chapter, and deposit the shareholder's certificates in accordance with the terms
of the notice.

     (b)  The shareholder who demands payment and deposits the shareholder's
shares under subsection (a) retains all other rights of a shareholder until
these rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate
action.

     (c)  A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit the shareholder's
share certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters'
notice, is not entitled to payment for the shareholder's shares under this
chapter and is considered, for purposes of this

                                         B-4

article, to have voted the shareholder's shares in favor of the proposed
corporate action. [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-14.    TRANSFER OF SHARES RESTRICTED AFTER DEMAND FOR PAYMENT. -
(a) The corporation may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares from the
date the demand for their payment is received until the proposed corporate
action is taken or the restrictions released under section 16 [IC 23-1-44-16] of
this chapter.

     (b)  The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to
uncertificated shares retains all other rights of a shareholder until these
rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.
[P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-15.    PAYMENT TO DISSENTER. - (a) Except as provided in section 17
[IC 23-1-44-17] of this chapter, as soon as the proposed corporate action is
taken, or, if the transaction did not need shareholder approval and has been
completed, upon receipt of a payment demand, the corporation shall pay each
dissenter who complied with section 13 [IC 23-1-44-13] of this chapter the
amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of the dissenter's shares.

     (b)  The payment must be accompanied by:

          (1)  The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year
          ending not more than sixteen (16) months before the date of payment,
          an income statement for that year, a statement of changes in
          shareholders' equity for that year, and the latest available interim
          financial statements, if any;

          (2)  A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value of
          the shares; and

          (3)  A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under
          section 18 [IC 23-1-44-18] of this chapter. [P.L. 149-1986, Section
          28; P.L. 107-1987, Section 21.]

     23-1-44-16.    RETURN OF SHARES AND RELEASE OF RESTRICTIONS. - (a) If the
corporation does not take the proposed action within sixty (60) days after the
date set for demanding payment and depositing share certificates, the
corporation shall return the deposited certificates and release the transfer
restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.

     (b)  If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
restrictions, the corporation takes the proposed action, it must send a new
dissenters' notice under section 12 [IC 23-1-44-12] of this chapter and repeat
the payment demand procedure. [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-17.    OFFER OF FAIR VALUE FOR SHARES OBTAINED AFTER FIRST
ANNOUNCEMENT. - (a) A corporation may elect to withhold payment required by
section 15

                                         B-5

[IC 23-1-44-15] of this chapter from a dissenter unless the dissenter was the
beneficial owner of the shares before the date set forth in the dissenters'
notice as the date of the first announcement to news media or to shareholders of
the terms of the proposed corporate action.

     (b)  To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under
subsection (a), after taking the proposed corporate action, it shall estimate
the fair value of the shares and shall pay this amount to each dissenter who
agrees to accept it in full satisfaction of the dissenter's demand. The
corporation shall send with its offer a statement of its estimate of the fair
value of the shares and a statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment
under section 18 [IC 23-1-44-18] of this chapter.  [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-18.    DISSENTER DEMAND FOR FAIR VALUE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. -
(a) A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of the dissenter's own
estimate of the fair value of the dissenter's shares and demand payment of the
dissenter's estimate (less any payment under section 15 [IC 23-1-44-15] of this
chapter), or reject the corporation's offer under section 17 [IC 23-1-44-17] of
this chapter and demand payment of the fair value of the dissenter's shares, if:

          (1)  The dissenter believes that the amount paid under section 15 of
          this chapter or offered under section 17 of this chapter is less than
          the fair value of the dissenter's shares;

          (2)  The corporation fails to make payment under section 15 of this
          chapter within sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding
          payment; or

          (3)  The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does
          not return the deposited certificates or release the transfer
          restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares within sixty (60) days
          after the date set for demanding payment.

     (b)  A dissenter waives the right to demand payment under this section
unless the dissenter notifies the corporation of the dissenter's demand in
writing under subsection (a) within thirty (30) days after the corporation made
or offered payment for the dissenter's shares.  [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-19.    EFFECT OF FAILURE TO PAY DEMAND - COMMENCEMENT OF JUDICIAL
APPRAISAL PROCEEDING. - (a) If a demand for payment under IC 23-1-42-11 or under
section 18 [IC 23-1-44-18] of this chapter remains unsettled, the corporation
shall commence a proceeding within sixty (60) days after receiving the payment
demand and petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares. If the
corporation does not commence the proceeding within the sixty (60) day period,
it shall pay each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded.

     (b)  The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the circuit or
superior court of the county where a corporation's principal office (or, if none
in Indiana, its registered office) is

                                         B-6

located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation without a registered office
in Indiana, it shall commence the proceeding in the county in Indiana where the
registered office of the domestic corporation merged with or whose shares were
acquired by the foreign corporation was located.

     (c)  The corporation shall make all dissenters (whether or not residents of
this state) whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in an
action against their shares and all parties must be served with a copy of the
petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified mail or by
publication as provided by law.

     (d)  The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection (b) is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one (1) or
more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend decision on the
question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described in the order
appointing them or in any amendment to it. The dissenters are entitled to the
same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings.

     (e)  Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment.

          (1)  For the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value
          of the dissenter's shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by
          the corporation; or

          (2)  For the fair value, plus accrued interest, of the dissenter's
          after-acquired shares for which the corporation elected to withhold
          payment under section 17 [IC 23-1-44-17] of this chapter.  [P.L.
          149-1986, Section 28.]

     23-1-44-20.    JUDICIAL DETERMINATION AND ASSESSMENT OF COSTS. -  (a) The
court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under section 19 [IC 23-1-44-19] of
this chapter shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the
reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The
court shall assess the costs against such parties and in such amounts as the
court finds equitable.

     (b)  The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts
for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

          (1)  Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if
          the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the
          requirements of sections 10 through 18 [IC 23-1-44-10 through IC
          23-1-44-18] of this chapter; or

          (2)  Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any
          other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees
          and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in
          good faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.

     (c)  If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were
of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated and that the fees
for those services should not be

                                         B-7

assessed against the corporation, the court may award to these counsel
reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the dissenters who were
benefited.  [P.L. 149-1986, Section 28.]

                                         B-8

                                      APPENDIX C

                          PROFESSIONAL BANK SERVICES, INC.

                             FAIRNESS OPINION AND UPDATE

                                  August 19, 1998

Board of Directors
Jay Financial Corporation
112 West Main Street
Portland, Indiana  47371-2123

Dear Members of the Board:

You have requested our opinion as investment bankers as to the fairness, from a
financial perspective, to the common shareholders of Jay Financial Corporation,
Portland, Indiana (the "Company") of the proposed merger of the Company with
First Merchants Corporation, Muncie, Indiana ("FRME").  In the proposed merger,
Company shareholders will receive an aggregate of 732,558 FRME common shares for
all 81,900 Company common shares outstanding as further defined in the Agreement
of Reorganization and Merger between FRME and the Company (the "Agreement").  On
August 17, 1998, the proposed consideration to be received represents an
aggregate value of $29,577,029 or $261.14 per Company common share based on the
average of the bid/ask price for FRME common stock of $40.375 as quoted on the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.

Profession Bank Services, Inc. ("PBS") is a bank consulting firm and as part of
its investment banking business is continually engaged in reviewing the
fairness, from a financial perspective, of bank acquisition transactions and in
the valuation of banks and other businesses and their securities in connection
with mergers, acquisitions, estate settlements and other purposes.  We are
independent with respect to the parties of the proposed transaction.

For purposes of this opinion, PBS performed a review and analysis of the
historic performance of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, The First
National Bank of Portland (the "Bank), contained in : (i) December 31, 1997,
March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1998 Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income
filed by the Bank with the FDIC; (ii) December 31, 1996 and 1997 audited annual
reports of the Company; and (iii) December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998 Uniform
Bank Performance Reports of the Bank.  We have reviewed and tabulated
statistical data regarding the loan portfolio, securities portfolio and other
performance ratios and statistics.  Financial projections were prepared and
analyzed as well as other financial studies, analyses and investigations as
deemed relevant for the purposes of this opinion.  In review of the

                                         C-1

Board of Directors
Jay Financial Corporation
August 19, 1998
Page 2

aforementioned information, we have taken into account our assessment of general
market and financial conditions, our experience in other transactions, and our
knowledge of the banking industry generally.  We have also taken into
consideration other offers received by the Company.

For the purposes of this opinion, PBS reviewed and analyzed the historic
performance of FRME contained in:  (i) December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 audited
annual reports of FRME; and (ii) June 30, 1997, September 30, 1997, March 31,
1998 and June 30, 1998 unaudited financial data and reports filed on Form 10-K
and 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We have not compiled, reviewed or audited the financial statements of the
Company or FRME nor have we independently verified any of the information
reviewed; we have relied upon such information as being complete and accurate in
all material respects.  We have not made independent evaluation of the assets of
the Company or FRME.

Based on the foregoing and all other factors deemed relevant, it is our opinion
as investment bankers, that, as of the date hereof, the consideration proposed
to be received by the shareholders of the Company under the Agreement is fair
and equitable from a financial perspective.

                              Very truly yours,

                              PROFESSIONAL BANK SERVICES, INC.

                                         C-2

                             ____________________, 1999

Board of Directors
Jay Financial Corporation
112 West Main Street
Portland, Indiana  47371-2123

Dear Members of the Board:

To our knowledge, nothing of a material nature has occurred since the issuance
of our Fairness Opinion (the "Opinion") to the common shareholders of Jay
Financial Corporation, Portland, Indiana (the "Company") dated August 19, 1998,
that would cause us to alter or rescind the Opinion.  The Opinion is related to
the fairness from a financial point of view, to the common shareholders of the
Company, regarding the proposed transaction outlined in the Agreement of
Reorganization and Merger between First Merchants Corporation, Muncie, Indiana
and the Company.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        PROFESSIONAL BANK SERVICES, INC.

                                         C-3

                                      PART II

                       INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

     The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation provide that the Registrant will
indemnify any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Registrant or of any other corporation for which he is or was serving in any
capacity at the request of the Registrant against all liability and expense that
may be incurred in connection with or resulting from or arising out of any
claim, action, suit or proceeding with respect to which such director, officer
or employee is wholly successful or acted in good faith in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the
Registrant or such other corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.  A
director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant is entitled to be
indemnified as a matter of right with respect to those claims, actions, suits or
proceedings where he has been wholly successful.  In all other cases, such
director, officer, employee or agent will be indemnified only if the Board of
Directors of the Registrant or independent legal counsel finds that he has met
the standards of conduct set forth above.

ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)  The following Exhibits are being filed as part of this Registration
     Statement except those which are incorporated by reference:

Exhibit No.              Description of Exhibit                                 Form S-4 Page
- -----------              ----------------------                                 -------------
                                                                          
  1.      None

  2.      Agreement of Reorganization and Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (A)

  3.a.    First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation and the
          Articles of Amendment thereto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (B)

    b.    First Merchants Corporation Bylaws and amendments thereto. . . .           (B)

  4.      None

  5.      Opinion of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman (legality). . . . . .           170

6-7.      None

                                         II-1

  8.      Opinion of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman
          (tax matters). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           171

  9.      None

 10.a.    First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank,
          National Association Management Incentive Plan . . . . . . . . .           (C)
    b.    First Merchants Bank, National Association Unfunded Deferred
          Compensation Plan, as Amended. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (C)
    c.    First Merchants Corporation 1989 Stock Option Plan . . . . . . .           (D)
    d.    First Merchants Corporation 1994 Stock Option Plan . . . . . . .           (E)
    e.    First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreements . . . .           (F)
    f.    First Merchants Corporation Unfunded Deferred Corporation Plan .           (F)
    g.    First Merchants Corporation Supplemented Executive Retirement
          Plan and amendments thereto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (G)
    h.    Agreement of Reorganization and Merger dated October 27, 1998
          among First Merchants Corporation, Pendleton Banking Company
          and Anderson Community Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           174

11-20.    None

21.       Subsidiaries of Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           207
22.       None

23. a.    Consent of Olive, LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           208
    b.    Consent of Crowe, Chizek & Co. LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           209
    c.    Consent of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman (legality). . . . . .           (l)
    d.    Consent of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman(tax matters). . . . .           (l)
    e.    Consent of Professional Bank Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . .           210

24.       Power of Attorney included in "Signatures" section . . . . . . .           166

25-28.    None

99.       Form of Proxy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           211

(b)       All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable
          or not required or because the required information is
          included in the consolidated financial statements or
          related notes.

                                         II-2

(c)       Fairness opinion furnished as part of prospectus.

(A)       Included as Appendix A to the Prospectus.

(B)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report
          Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 1997.

(C)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Form 10-K for year
          ended December 31, 1996.

(D)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
          Statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No. 33-28901) effective
          on May 24, 1989.

(E)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1993.

(F)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1996.

(G)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on
          Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1997.

(l)       Included in opinion.

ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     (a)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     (b)  (1)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows:  that
prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through
the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any
person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule
145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

                                         II-3

          (2)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that every
prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) immediately preceding,
or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933, and is used in connection with an offering of securities
subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration
statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     (c)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer,
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

     (d)  For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.

     (e)  For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     (f)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests
for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant
to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means.  This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.

     (g)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired

                                         II-4

involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration
statement when it became effective.

     (h)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to remove from
registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

                                         II-5

                                     SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Muncie, State of Indiana,
as of the 28th day of December, 1998.

                                   FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

                                   By:/s/ Stefan S. Anderson
                                      --------------------------------------
                                        Stefan S. Anderson, Chief Executive
                                        Officer

     Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Stefan
S. Anderson and Larry R. Helms and each of them his true and lawful attorneys-
in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him
and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
and any subsequent registration statement filed by First Merchants Corporation
pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed as of the 28th day of December, 1998 by
the following persons in the capacities indicated.

/s/ Stefan S. Anderson
- -------------------------------
Stefan S. Anderson                 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
                                   Officer and Director (Principal Executive
                                   Officer)

/s/ James L. Thrash
- -------------------------------
James L. Thrash                    Senior Vice President and Chief
                                   Financial Officer (Principal Financial
                                   and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Frank A. Bracken
- -------------------------------
Frank A. Bracken                   Director

                                         S-1

/s/ Thomas B. Clark
- -------------------------------
Thomas B. Clark                    Director

/s/ Michael L. Cox
- -------------------------------
Michael L. Cox                     Director

/s/ David A. Galliher
- -------------------------------
David A. Galliher                  Director

/s/ Norman M. Johnson
- -------------------------------
Norman M. Johnson                  Director

/s/ Ted J. Montgomery
- -------------------------------
Ted J. Montgomery                  Director

/s/ George A. Sissel
- -------------------------------
George A. Sissel                   Director

/s/ Robert M. Smitson
- -------------------------------
Robert M. Smitson                  Director

/s/ Michael D. Wickersham
- -------------------------------
Michael D. Wickersham              Director

/s/ John E. Worthen
- -------------------------------
John E. Worthen                    Director

                                         S-2

(a)  The following Exhibits are being filed as part of this Registration
     Statement except those that are incorporated by reference:

Exhibit No.              Description of Exhibit                                 Form S-4 Page
- -----------              ----------------------                                 -------------
                                                                          
  1.      None

  2.      Agreement of Reorganization and Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (A)

  3.a.    First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation and the
          Articles of Amendment thereto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (B)

    b.    First Merchants Corporation Bylaws and amendments thereto. . . .           (B)

  4.      None

  5.      Opinion of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman (legality). . . . . .           170

6-7.      None

  8.      Opinion of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman
          (tax matters). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           171

  9.      None

 10.a.    First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank,
          National Association Management Incentive Plan . . . . . . . . .           (C)
    b.    First Merchants Bank, National Association Unfunded Deferred
          Compensation Plan, as Amended. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (C)
    c.    First Merchants Corporation 1989 Stock Option Plan . . . . . . .           (D)
    d.    First Merchants Corporation 1994 Stock Option Plan . . . . . . .           (E)
    e.    First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreements . . . .           (F)
    f.    First Merchants Corporation Unfunded Deferred Corporation Plan .           (F)
    g.    First Merchants Corporation Supplemented Executive Retirement
          Plan and amendments thereto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (G)
    h.    Agreement of Reorganization and Merger dated October 27, 1998
          among First Merchants Corporation, Pendleton Banking Company
          and Anderson Community Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           174

11-20.    None

21.       Subsidiaries of Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           207
22.       None

23. a.    Consent of Olive, LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           208
    b.    Consent of Crowe, Chizek & Co. LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           209

    c.    Consent of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman (legality). . . . . .           (l)
    d.    Consent of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman(tax matters). . . . .           (l)
    e.    Consent of Professional Bank Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . .           210

24.       Power of Attorney included in "Signatures" section . . . . . . .           166

25-28.    None

99.       Form of Proxy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           211

(b)       All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable
          or not required or because the required information is
          included in the consolidated financial statements or
          related notes.

(c)       Fairness opinion furnished as part of prospectus.

(A)       Included as Appendix A to the Prospectus.

(B)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report
          Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 1997.

(C)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Form 10-K for year
          ended December 31, 1996.

(D)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
          Statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No. 33-28901) effective
          on May 24, 1989.

(E)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1993.

(F)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1996.

(G)       Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on
          Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1997.

(l)       Included in opinion.

                                  December 28, 1998

First Merchants Corporation
200 East Jackson Street
Muncie, Indiana  47305

Gentlemen:

     You have requested our opinion in connection with the proposed public
offering by First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the "Company"),
of up to 1,098,837 shares of common stock ("Shares") covered by a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or about December 28, 1998.

     In connection with your request to us, we have been provided with the
     following:

     1.   The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company;

     2.   The minute book of the Company; and

     3.   A certificate from the Indiana Secretary of State certifying that the
          Company is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by
          virtue of the laws of the State of Indiana.

     For purpose of this opinion, we have examined the above documents and have
relied upon them as to matters of fact.  We have not independently checked to
verify the accuracy or completeness of the information set forth or certified in
such documents.

     Based solely upon the foregoing documents and examination, and subject to
the foregoing limitations and qualifications, we are of the opinion that:

     1.   As of this date, the Company is a duly organized and existing
          corporation under the laws of the State of Indiana with the corporate
          power and authority to conduct its business as described in the
          Registration Statement; and 

     2.   The Shares, when issued as contemplated by the Registration Statement
          in exchange for payment therefor, will be validly issued, fully paid
          and non-assessable.

     We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference made to us in the Registration Statement and
Proxy Statement-Prospectus forming a part thereof under the caption "Legal
Opinions."  By giving this consent, we do not admit that we come within the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder.

                              Very truly yours,

                              BINGHAM SUMMERS WELSH & SPILMAN

                                       Ex. 5-1

                                  December 28, 1998

Board of Directors
First Merchants Corporation
200 East Jackson Street
Muncie, IN  47305-2814

Board of Directors
Jay Financial Corporation
112 West Main Street
Portland, IN  47371

     Re:  Merger of Jay Financial Corporation with and into First Merchants
          Corporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special counsel to First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana
corporation registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, as amended ("First Merchants"), in connection with the proposed
merger of Jay Financial Corporation, an Indiana corporation registered as a bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended ("Jay
Financial"), with and into First Merchants, pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement of Reorganization and Merger between First Merchants and Jay
Financial, dated August 20, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), as described in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed by First Merchants with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on or about December 28, 1998 (the
"Registration Statement").

     This opinion is being rendered as required by Section 9 of the Merger
Agreement. All capitalized terms herein, unless otherwise specified, have the
meaning assigned to them in the Registration Statement.

     In connection with this opinion, we have relied on and have examined, and
we are familiar with originals or copies of, certified or otherwise identified
to our satisfaction, (i) the Merger Agreement, (ii) the Registration Statement,
and (iii) such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate in
order to enable us to render the opinions below. In our examination, we have
assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the
conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified,
conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such
copies. This opinion is subject to the receipt by us prior to the effective time
of the merger of Jay Financial with and into First Merchants (the "Merger") of
certain written representations and covenants of Jay Financial and First
Merchants, the accuracy and truthfulness of which we shall assume and rely upon
without investigation.  In rendering our opinion, we have considered the
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), Treasury Regulations, pertinent judicial authorities, interpretive
rulings of the Internal Revenue Service and such other authorities as we have
considered relevant.

                                       Ex. 8-1

First Merchants Corporation
Jay Financial Corporation 
December 28, 1998
Page 2

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, provided that the merger of Jay
Financial with and into First Merchants qualifies as a statutory merger under
applicable state law, and assuming that (i) after the transaction, First
Merchants, as successor of Jay Financial, will hold substantially all of its
assets, and that (ii) in the transaction, the Jay Financial shareholders will
exchange an amount of stock constituting majority control of Jay Financial
solely for First Merchants common stock, we are of the opinion that the Merger
will, under current law, constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code and that Jay Financial and First Merchants will
each be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of
the Code. As a reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code, the Merger
will have the following federal income tax consequences for Jay Financial
shareholders, Jay Financial, and First Merchants:

     1.   No gain or loss will be recognized by Jay Financial shareholders who
exchange all of their Jay Financial common stock for First Merchants common
stock pursuant to the Merger, except to the extent of gain or loss attributable
to any cash received in lieu of receipt of a fractional share of First Merchants
common stock.

     2.   The basis of First Merchants common stock (including deemed fractional
share interests) received by Jay Financial shareholders who exchange all of
their Jay Financial common stock for First Merchants common stock will be the
same as the basis of the Jay Financial common stock surrendered in exchange
therefor.

     3.   The holding period of the First Merchants common stock received by the
Jay Financial shareholders (including deemed fractional share interests) who
exchange all of their Jay Financial common stock for First Merchants common
stock will include the period during which the Jay Financial common stock was
held, provided the Jay Financial common stock was held as a capital asset on the
date of the exchange.

     4.   Where a cash payment is received by a Jay Financial shareholder in
lieu of fractional shares of First Merchants common stock, the cash payment will
be treated as a distribution in redemption of the deemed fractional share
interest by First Merchants, subject to the provisions and limitations of
Section 302 of the Code. Where such exchange qualifies under Section 302(a) of
the Code, such shareholder will recognize a capital gain or loss provided that
the Jay Financial common stock was held as a capital asset on the date of the
Merger.

     5.   Any Jay Financial shareholder who perfects dissenter's rights and
receives solely cash in exchange for such shareholder's Jay Financial common
stock shall be treated as having received such cash as a distribution in
redemption of the Jay Financial common stock subject to the provisions and
limitations of Section 302 of the Code. If, as a result of such distribution,
such Jay Financial shareholder owns no First Merchants common stock, either
directly or through the application of the constructive ownership rules of
Section 318(a) of the Code, the redemption will be a complete termination of
interest within the meaning of Section 302(b)(3) of the Code and the cash will
be treated as a distribution in full payment and exchange for the Jay Financial 

                                       Ex. 8-2

First Merchants Corporation
Jay Financial Corporation
December 28, 1998
Page 3

common stock as provided in Section 302(a) of the Code. Under Section 1001 of
the Code, gain or loss (subject to any applicable limitations of the Code) will
be realized and recognized by such Jay Financial shareholder in an amount equal
to the difference between the redemption price and the adjusted basis of the Jay
Financial common stock surrendered in exchange therefor.

     6.   No gain or loss will be recognized by Jay Financial or First Merchants
in connection with the transaction.

     7.   The basis of the assets of Jay Financial acquired by First Merchants
in the Merger will be the same as the basis of such assets in the hands of Jay
Financial immediately prior to the Merger.

     The opinions expressed herein represent our conclusions as to the
application of existing federal income tax law to the facts as presented to us,
and we give no assurance that changes in such law or any interpretation thereof
will not affect the opinions expressed by us. Moreover, there can be no
assurance that these opinions will not be challenged by the Internal Revenue
Service or that a court considering the issues will not hold contrary to such
opinions. We express no opinion on the treatment of this transaction under the
income tax laws of any state or other taxing jurisdictions. We assume no
obligation to advise of any changes concerning the above, whether or not deemed
material, which may hereafter come or be brought to our attention.

     Except as set forth above, we express no opinion as to the tax consequences
to any party, whether federal, state, local or foreign, of the Merger or of any
transactions related to the Merger or contemplated by the Merger Agreement. This
opinion is addressed to you and is being furnished to you solely for your use in
connection with the transaction that is the subject of the Merger Agreement. We
assume no professional responsibility to any other person or entity.
Accordingly, the opinions expressed herein are not to be utilized or quoted by,
delivered or disclosed to, in whole or in part, any other person, corporation,
entity or governmental authority, or for any other purpose, without the prior
written consent of this firm. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

                              Very truly yours,

                              BINGHAM SUMMERS WELSH & SPILMAN

                                      Ex. 8-3

                       AGREEMENT OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

                                       AMONG

                            FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION,

                             PENDLETON BANKING COMPANY
                                          
                                        AND

                              ANDERSON COMMUNITY BANK

     THIS AGREEMENT OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (the "Agreement"), is entered
this 27th day of October, 1998, by and among FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION ("First
Merchants"), PENDLETON BANKING COMPANY ("Pendleton"), and ANDERSON COMMUNITY
BANK ("Anderson").

                                W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, First Merchants is a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Indiana and a registered bank holding company under the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with its principal place of
business in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana;

     WHEREAS, Pendleton is a state bank duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Indiana and a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants
with its principal banking office in Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana;

     WHEREAS, Anderson is a state bank duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Indiana with its principal banking office in Anderson,
Madison County, Indiana;
 
     WHEREAS, it is the desire of First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson to
effect a statutory merger of Anderson with and into Pendleton under the name of
"The Madison Community Bank"; and 

     WHEREAS, a majority of the entire Board of Directors of First Merchants and
Pendleton and a majority of the entire Board of Directors of Anderson have
approved this Agreement, designated it as a plan of reorganization within the
provisions of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and authorized its execution.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and
agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, First Merchants, Pendleton, and
Anderson hereby make this Agreement

                                     Ex. 10(h)-1

and prescribe the terms and conditions of the merger of Anderson with and into
Pendleton and the mode of carrying the transaction into effect as follows:

                                     SECTION 1
                                     THE MERGER

     1.01.  MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on
the Effective Date (as defined in Section 11 hereof), Anderson shall be merged
with and into Pendleton, under the Articles of Incorporation of Pendleton, and
Pendleton shall be the "Continuing Bank" which shall continue its corporate
existence under the laws of the State of Indiana, pursuant to the provisions of
and with the effect provided in the Indiana Financial Institutions Act and
particularly Indiana Code Chapter 28-1-7 (the "Merger").  

     1.02.  RIGHT TO REVISE MERGER.  First Merchants and Pendleton may, at any
time, change the method of effecting the Merger if and to the extent First
Merchants and Pendleton deem such change to be desirable; provided, however,
that no such change, modification or amendment shall (a) alter or change the
amount or kind of consideration to be received by the shareholders of Anderson
specified in Section 3 hereof as a result of the Merger, (ii) adversely affect
the tax treatment to the shareholders of Anderson, or (iii) materially impede or
delay receipt of any approvals referred to in this Agreement or the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
                                          
                                     SECTION 2
                                EFFECT OF THE MERGER

     Upon the Merger becoming effective:

     2.01.  GENERAL DESCRIPTION.  The separate existence of Anderson shall
cease and the Continuing Bank shall possess all of the assets of Anderson
including all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers, and franchises and
shall be subject to and assume all of the duties and liabilities of Anderson.

     2.02.  NAME AND OFFICES.  Subject to regulatory approval, the name of the
Continuing Bank shall be changed to be "The Madison Community Bank," with 19
West 10th Street being the principal office of the Continuing Bank.  After the
Effective Date, all offices of Pendleton and Anderson shall be operated as
branches of the Continuing Bank except for the principal office of the
Continuing Bank. 

     2.03.  DIRECTORS OF THE CONTINUING BANK.  The Board of Directors of the
Continuing Bank, until such time as their successors are elected and qualified,
shall consist of all of the current members of the Board of Directors of
Anderson and the Board of Directors of Pendleton who desire to serve on the
Board of Directors of the Continuing Bank; provided, however, that all such
directors of the Continuing Bank shall be subject to First Merchants' policy of
mandatory retirement at age seventy (70); provided, further, that the policy of
mandatory retirement shall not apply to any of Anderson's current directors
until twelve (12) months after the Effective Date. Any members of the Board of
Directors of the Continuing 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-2

Bank subject to such mandatory retirement policy may be designated by the
Continuing Bank's Board of Directors as directors emeritus to serve in an
advisory non-voting capacity and to attend meetings of the Continuing Bank's
Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Anderson shall
serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Bank and the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pendleton shall serve as the Vice-Chairman
of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Bank, until such time as their
successors are elected and qualified.

     2.04.  OFFICERS OF THE CONTINUING BANK.  The officers of Pendleton and
Anderson immediately prior to the Effective Date shall continue as officers of
the Continuing Bank until such time as their successors are elected and
qualified; provided, however, that the current President of Anderson, Michael L.
Baker, shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Continuing Bank until such time as his successor is elected and qualified.

     2.05.  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS.  The Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Continuing Bank shall be those of Pendleton
immediately prior to the Effective Date until the same shall be further amended
as provided by law.  The Bylaws of Pendleton in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Date shall be amended as of the Effective Date (i) to increase the
size of the Board of Directors consistent with Section 2.03, (ii) to provide for
directors emeritus consistent with Section 2.03, and (iii) to change the name of
the Continuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.02.

     2.06.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.  The title to all assets, real estate and
other property owned by Pendleton and Anderson shall vest in the Continuing Bank
without reversion or impairment.  All liabilities of Pendleton and Anderson
shall be assumed by the Continuing Bank.

     2.07.  ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.  If, at any time after the Effective Date, the
Continuing Bank shall consider or be advised that any further deeds, assignments
or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable (a) to vest,
perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Continuing Bank its right,
title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of
Anderson, or (b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, Anderson
and its officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted to the Continuing
Bank an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver all such deeds,
assignments or assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest,
perfect or confirm title to and possession of such rights, properties or assets
in the Continuing Bank, and the officers and directors of the Continuing Bank
are authorized in the name of Anderson or otherwise to take any and all such
action.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-3

                                     SECTION 3
                                CONSIDERATION TO BE
                      DISTRIBUTED TO SHAREHOLDERS OF ANDERSON

     3.01.  CONSIDERATION.  Upon and by reason of the Merger becoming
effective, the shareholders of Anderson of record on the Effective Date who have
not dissented to the Merger in accordance with Indiana Code Section 28-1-7-21,
as amended, shall be entitled to receive 1.38 shares of First Merchants common
stock for each share of Anderson common stock held (the "Conversion Ratio"). 

     3.02.  NO FRACTIONAL FIRST MERCHANTS COMMON SHARES.  Certificates for
fractional shares of common stock of First Merchants shall not be issued in
respect of fractional interests arising from the Conversion Ratio.  Each
Anderson shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of a
First Merchants share, upon surrender of all of his/her certificates
representing Anderson common shares, shall be paid in cash (without interest) in
an amount equal to the fraction of the average of the closing price of First
Merchants common stock as quoted by the NASDAQ National Market System for the
five (5) business days preceding the Effective Date.  No such shareholder of
Anderson shall be entitled to dividends, voting rights or any other rights in
respect of any fractional share.

     3.03.  RECAPITALIZATION.  If, between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Date, First Merchants issues a stock dividend with respect to its
shares of common stock, combines, subdivides, or splits up its outstanding
shares or takes any similar recapitalization action, then the number of shares
of First Merchants common stock into which each outstanding Anderson share will
be converted under Section 3.01 hereof shall be adjusted so that each Anderson
shareholder shall receive such number of First Merchants shares as represents
the same percentage of outstanding shares of First Merchants common stock at the
Effective Date as would have been represented by the number of shares such
shareholder would have received if the recapitalization had not occurred.

     3.04.  DISTRIBUTION OF FIRST MERCHANTS COMMON STOCK AND CASH.

            (a)  Each share of common stock of Pendleton outstanding
     immediately prior to the Effective Date shall remain outstanding unaffected
     by the Merger, except that such shares shall be converted into shares of
     the Continuing Bank.

            (b)  Following the Effective Date, distribution of stock
     certificates representing First Merchants common stock and cash payments
     for fractional shares shall be made by First Merchants to each former
     shareholder of Anderson within ten (10) days of such shareholder's delivery
     of his/her certificates representing common stock of Anderson to the
     conversion agent, First Merchants Bank (the "Conversion Agent"). 
     Certificates surrendered for exchange by a person who is deemed to be an
     "affiliate" (as defined in Section 7.06 hereof) of Anderson shall not be
     exchanged until First Merchants has received a written agreement from such
     affiliate as required pursuant to Section 7.06 hereof.  Interest shall not
     accrue or be payable with respect to any cash payments.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-4

            (c)  Following the Effective Date, stock certificates representing
     Anderson common stock shall be deemed to evidence only the right to receive
     ownership of First Merchants common stock (for all corporate purposes other
     than the payment of dividends) and cash for fractional shares, as
     applicable.  No dividends or other distributions otherwise payable
     subsequent to the Effective Date on stock of First Merchants shall be paid
     to any shareholder entitled to receive the same until such shareholder has
     surrendered his/her certificates for Anderson common stock to the
     Conversion Agent in exchange for certificates representing First Merchants
     common stock and cash.  Upon surrender, there shall be paid to the
     recordholder of the new certificate(s) evidencing shares of First Merchants
     common stock the amount of all dividends and other distributions, without
     interest thereon, withheld with respect to such common stock.

            (d)  At or after the Effective Date, there shall be no transfers on
     the stock transfer books of Anderson of any shares of the common stock of
     Anderson.  If, after the Effective Date, certificates are presented for
     transfer to Anderson, such certificates shall be cancelled and exchanged
     for the consideration set forth in Section 3.01 hereof, as adjusted
     pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
            
            (e)  First Merchants shall be entitled to rely upon the stock
     transfer books of Anderson to establish the persons entitled to receive
     cash and shares of common stock of First Merchants, which books, in the
     absence of actual knowledge by First Merchants of any adverse claim
     thereto, shall be conclusive with respect to the ownership of such stock.

            (f)  With respect to any certificate for shares of Anderson common
     stock which has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, First Merchants shall be
     authorized to issue common stock to the registered owner of such
     certificate upon receipt of an affidavit of lost stock certificate, in form
     and substance satisfactory to First Merchants, and upon compliance by the
     Anderson shareholder with all procedures historically required by Anderson
     in connection with lost, stolen, or destroyed certificates.

                                     SECTION 4
                              DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

     If any holders of Anderson common stock perfect their dissenters' rights in
accordance with Indiana Code Section 28-1-7-21, as amended, any issued and
outstanding shares of Anderson common stock held by such dissenting holders
shall not be converted as described in Section 3 but shall from and after the
Effective Date represent the right to receive such consideration as may be
accorded to dissenting shareholders under Indiana Code Section 28-1-7-21, as
amended.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-5

                                     SECTION 5
                                REPRESENTATIONS AND
                               WARRANTIES OF ANDERSON

     Anderson represents and warrants to First Merchants and Pendleton as
follows:  (For the purposes of this Section, a "Disclosure Letter" is defined as
a letter referencing Section 5 of this Agreement which shall be prepared and
executed by an authorized executive officer of Anderson and delivered to and
initialed by an authorized executive officer of each of First Merchants and
Pendleton contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement.)

     5.01.  ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY. Anderson is a state bank duly organized
and validly existing under the laws of the State of Indiana.  Anderson has the
power and authority (corporate and other) to conduct its business in the manner
and by the means utilized as of the date hereof. Anderson has no subsidiaries. 
Anderson is subject to primary federal regulatory supervision and regulation by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     5.02.  AUTHORIZATION.

            (a)  Anderson has the corporate power and authority to enter into
     this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder.  This Agreement,
     when executed and delivered, will have been duly authorized and will
     constitute a valid and binding obligation of Anderson, enforceable in
     accordance with its terms except to the extent limited by insolvency,
     reorganization, liquidation, readjustment of debt or other laws of general
     application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights.

            (b)  Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the consummation
     of the transactions contemplated hereby, does or will (i) conflict with,
     result in a breach of, or constitute a default under Anderson's Articles of
     Incorporation or By-Laws; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, or
     constitute a default under any federal, state or local law, statute,
     ordinance, rule, regulation or court or administrative order or decree, or
     any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, security agreement, contract,
     arrangement or commitment, to which Anderson is subject or bound, the
     result of which would materially affect the business or financial condition
     of Anderson; (iii) result in the creation of or give any person,
     corporation or entity, the right to create any lien, charge, encumbrance,
     security interest, or any other rights of others or other adverse interest
     upon any right, property or asset of Anderson; (iv) terminate or give any
     person, corporation or entity, the right to terminate, amend, abandon, or
     refuse to perform any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, security agreement,
     contract, arrangement or commitment to which Anderson is subject or bound;
     or (v) accelerate or modify, or give any party thereto the right to
     accelerate or modify, the time within which, or the terms according to
     which, Anderson is to perform any duties or obligations or receive any
     rights or benefits under any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, security
     agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment.

            (c)  Other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions
     of applicable federal and state securities laws and applicable Indiana and
     federal banking 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-6

     and corporate statutes, all as amended, and the rules and regulations
     promulgated thereunder, no notice to, filing with, authorization of,
     exemption by, or consent or approval of, any public body or authority is
     necessary for the consummation by Anderson of the transactions contemplated
     by this Agreement.

     5.03.  CAPITALIZATION.  

            (a)  As of June 30, 1998, Anderson had 2,000,000 shares of common
     stock authorized, $1.00 par value per share, 589,784 shares of which were
     issued and outstanding.  Such issued and outstanding shares of Anderson
     common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action of Anderson, are validly issued, fully paid and
     nonassessable and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive
     rights of any shareholders.  Except as disclosed pursuant to Section
     5.03(b) below, Anderson has no intention or obligation to authorize or
     issue additional shares of its common stock.  Anderson has not authorized
     the issuance of any other class of stock. As of June 30, 1998, Anderson had
     total capital of $6,988,299, which consisted of common stock of $589,784,
     additional capital of $5,199,554, retained earnings of $1,186,990 and
     unrealized gain on securities of $11,901.

            (b)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, there are no
     options, commitments, calls, agreements, understandings, arrangements or
     subscription rights regarding the issuance, purchase or acquisition of
     capital stock, or any securities convertible into or representing the right
     to purchase or otherwise receive the capital stock or any debt securities,
     of Anderson by which Anderson is or may become bound. Anderson has no
     outstanding contractual or other obligation to repurchase, redeem or
     otherwise acquire any of its outstanding shares of capital stock.

            (c)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, no person or
     entity beneficially owns 5% or more of Anderson's outstanding shares of
     common stock.

            (d)  Anderson has not taken or agreed to take any action nor has
     any knowledge of any fact or circumstance and Anderson will not take any
     action that would prevent the Merger from qualifying for
     pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.

     5.04.  ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.  The Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws of Anderson have been delivered to First Merchants and represent true,
accurate and complete copies of such corporate documents of Anderson in effect
as of the date of this Agreement.

     5.05.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.  Anderson has not engaged in any activity nor
taken or omitted to take any action which has resulted or, to the knowledge of
Anderson could result, in the violation of any local, state, federal or foreign
law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance or of any order, injunction,
judgment or decree of any court or government agency or body, the violation of
which could materially affect the business, prospects, condition (financial or
otherwise) or results of operations of Anderson.  Anderson possesses all
licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the
continued conduct of its business without material interference or interruption
and such licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-7

shall be transferred to the Continuing Bank on the Effective Date without any
restrictions or limitations thereon or the need to obtain any consents of third
parties.  All agreements and understandings with, and all orders and directives
of, all regulatory agencies or government authorities with respect to the
business or operations of Anderson, including all correspondence, communications
and commitments related thereto, are set forth in the Disclosure Letter. 
Anderson has received no inquiries from any regulatory agency or government
authority relating to its compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the
Truth-in-Lending Act or the Community Reinvestment Act or any laws with respect
to the protection of the environment or the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.

     5.06.  ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS.  Neither this Agreement nor any report,
statement, list, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished
by Anderson to First Merchants in connection with this Agreement or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, any information
which has been or shall be supplied by Anderson with respect to its business,
operations and financial condition for inclusion in the proxy statement and
registration statement relating to the Merger) contains or shall contain (in the
case of information relating to the proxy statement at the time it is mailed and
for the registration statement at the time it becomes effective) any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits or shall omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

     5.07.  LITIGATION AND PENDING PROCEEDINGS.  Except as set forth in the
Disclosure Letter, there are no claims of any kind, nor any action, suits,
proceedings, arbitrations or investigations pending or to the knowledge of
Anderson threatened in any court or before any government agency or body,
arbitration panel or otherwise (nor does Anderson have any knowledge of a basis
for any claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or investigation) against,
by or materially adversely affecting Anderson or its business, prospects,
conditions (financial or otherwise), results of operations or assets, or which
would prevent the performance of this Agreement or declare the same unlawful or
cause the rescission hereof.  There are no material uncured violations, or
violations with respect to which material refunds or restitutions may be
required, cited in any compliance report to Anderson as a result of an
examination by any regulatory agency or body.

     5.08.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

            (a)  Anderson's balance sheets as of the end of the two fiscal
     years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the six months ended June 30,
     1998 and the related statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash
     flows for the years or period then ended (hereinafter collectively referred
     to as the "Financial Information") present fairly the financial condition
     or position of Anderson as of the respective dates thereof and the results
     of operations of Anderson for the respective periods covered thereby and
     have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
     principles applied on a consistent basis.  

            (b)  All loans reflected in the Financial Information and which
     have been made, extended or acquired since June 30, 1998, (i) have been
     made for good, valuable and 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-8

     adequate consideration in the ordinary course of business; (ii) constitute
     the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor and any guarantor
     named therein; (iii) are evidenced by notes, instruments or other evidences
     of indebtedness which are genuine and what they purport to be; and (iv) to
     the extent that Anderson has a security interest in collateral or a
     mortgage securing such loans, are secured by perfected security interests
     or mortgages naming Anderson as the secured party or mortgagee.

     5.09.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Except for events and conditions
relating to the business environment in general or as set forth in the
Disclosure Letter, since June 30, 1998, no events or conditions of any
character, whether actual, threatened or contemplated, have occurred, or, to the
knowledge of Anderson, can reasonably be expected to occur, which materially
adversely affect Anderson's business, prospects, conditions (financial or
otherwise), assets or results of operations or which have caused, or can
reasonably be expected to cause, Anderson's business to be conducted in a
materially less profitable manner than prior to June 30, 1998.

     5.10.  ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Anderson is not a party to any
agreement, contract, obligation, commitment, arrangement, liability, lease or
license which individually exceeds $10,000 per year or which may not be
terminated within one year from the date of this Agreement, except as set forth
in the Disclosure Letter and except for unfunded loan commitments made in the
ordinary course of Anderson's business consistent with past practices, nor to
the knowledge of Anderson does there exist any circumstances resulting from
transactions effected or to be effected or events which have occurred or may
occur or from any action taken or omitted to be taken which could reasonably be
expected to result in any such agreement, contract, obligation, commitment,
arrangement, liability, lease or license.

     5.11.  TITLE TO ASSETS.  

            (a)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, Anderson has
     good and marketable title to all personal property reflected in the June
     30, 1998 Financial Information, good and marketable title to all other
     properties and assets which Anderson purports to own, good and marketable
     title to or right to use by terms of any lease or contract all other
     property used in Anderson's business, and good and marketable title to all
     property and assets acquired since June 30, 1998, free and clear of all
     mortgages, liens, pledges, restrictions, security interests, charges,
     claims or encumbrances of any nature.  

            (b)  All furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, computer
     software and hardware, and all other tangible personal property owned or
     used by Anderson, including any such items leased as a lessee, are in good
     working order and free of known defects, subject only to normal wear and
     tear.  The operation by Anderson of such properties and assets is in
     compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of
     any governmental authority having jurisdiction over such use.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-9

     5.12.  LOANS AND INVESTMENTS.  

            (a)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, there is no loan
     of Anderson in excess of $10,000 that has been classified by bank
     regulatory examiners as "Other Loans Specially Mentioned," "Substandard,"
     "Doubtful" or "Loss," nor is there any loan of Anderson in excess of
     $10,000 that has been identified by accountants or auditors (internal or
     external) as having a significant risk of uncollectibility. Anderson's loan
     watch list and all loans in excess of $10,000 that Anderson's management
     has determined to be ninety (90) days or more past due with respect to
     principal or interest or has placed on nonaccrual status are set forth in
     the Disclosure Letter.

            (b)  Each of the reserves and allowances for possible loan losses
     and the carrying value for real estate owned which are shown on the
     Financial Information is, in the opinion of Anderson, adequate in all
     material respects under the requirements of generally accepted accounting
     principles applied on a consistent basis to provide for possible losses on
     loans outstanding and real estate owned as of the date of such Financial
     Information.

            (c)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, none of the
     investments reflected in the Financial Information and none of the
     investments made by Anderson since June 30, 1998 is subject to any
     restrictions, whether contractual or statutory, which materially impairs
     the ability of Anderson to dispose freely of such investment at any time. 
     Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, Anderson is not a party to
     any repurchase agreements with respect to securities.

     5.13.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

            (a)  The Disclosure Letter contains a list identifying each
     "employee benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee
     Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), which (i) is
     subject to any provision of ERISA, and (ii) is maintained, administered or
     contributed to by Anderson and covers any employee, director or former
     employee or director of Anderson under which Anderson has any liability. 
     Copies of such plans (and, if applicable, related trust agreements or
     insurance contracts) and all amendments thereto and written interpretations
     thereof have been furnished to First Merchants together with the three most
     recent annual reports prepared in connection with any such plan and the
     current summary plan descriptions.  Such plans are hereinafter referred to
     individually as an "Employee Plan" and collectively as the "Employee
     Plans."  The Employee Plans which individually or collectively would
     constitute an "employee pension benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(2) of
     ERISA are identified in the list referred to above.

            (b)  The Employee Plans comply with and have been operated in
     accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, rulings and other
     requirements the breach or violation of which could materially affect
     Anderson or an Employee Plan. Each Employee Plan has been administered in
     substantial conformance with such 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-10

     requirements and all reports and information required with respect to each
     Employee Plan has been timely given.

            (c)  To the knowledge of Anderson, no "prohibited transaction," as
     defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, for which no
     statutory or administrative exemption exists, and no "reportable event," as
     defined in Section 4043(b) of ERISA, has occurred with respect to any
     Employee Plan. To the knowledge of Anderson, Anderson has no liability to
     the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC"), to the Internal Revenue
     Service ("IRS"), to the Department of Labor ("DOL") or to an employee or
     Employee Plan beneficiary under Section 502 of ERISA.

            (d)  To the knowledge of Anderson, no "fiduciary," as defined in
     Section (3)(21) of ERISA, of an Employee Plan has failed to comply with the
     requirements of Section 404 of ERISA.

            (e)  Each of the Employee Plans which is intended to be qualified
     under Code Section 401(a) has been amended to comply in all material
     respects with the applicable requirements of the Code, including the Tax
     Reform Act of 1986, the Revenue Act of 1987, the Technical and
     Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
     1989, the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990, the Tax Extension Act of
     1991, the Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 1992, the Omnibus Budget
     Reconciliation Act of 1993, and the Retirement Protection Act of 1994 and
     any rules, regulations or other requirements promulgated thereunder (the
     "Acts").  In addition, each such Employee Plan has been and is being
     operated in substantial conformance with the applicable provisions of ERISA
     and the Code, as amended by the Acts and as amended by the Small Business
     Job Protection Act of 1996 and the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, even though
     such Employee Plans are not yet required to be amended for such
     legislation.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, Anderson sought
     and received favorable determination letters from the IRS within the
     applicable remedial amendment periods under Code Section 401(b), and has
     furnished to First Merchants copies of the most recent IRS determination
     letters with respect to any such Employee Plan.

            (f)  No Employee Plan owns any security of Anderson.

            (g)  No Employee Plan has incurred an "accumulated funding
     deficiency," as determined under Code Section 412 and ERISA Section 302.

            (h)  No Employee Plan has been terminated or incurred a partial
     termination (either voluntarily or involuntarily).

            (i)  No claims against an Employee Plan or Anderson, with respect
     to an Employee Plan, (other than normal benefit claims) have been asserted
     or, to the knowledge of Anderson, threatened.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-11

            (j)  There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement covering
     any employee, director or former employee or director of Anderson that,
     individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount
     that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G or Section 162(a)(1)
     of the Code.

            (k)  No event has occurred that would cause the imposition of the
     tax described in Code Section 4980B.  All requirements of ERISA Section 601
     have been met.

            (l)  The Disclosure Letter contains a list of each employment,
     severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan or
     arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage (including
     any self-insured arrangements), workers' compensation, disability benefits,
     supplemental unemployment benefits, vacation benefits, retirement benefits
     or deferred compensation, profit sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock
     appreciation or other forms of incentive compensation or post-retirement
     insurance, compensation or benefits which (i) is not an Employee Plan, (ii)
     was entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by
     Anderson and (iii) covers any employee, director or former employee or
     director of Anderson. Such contracts, plans and arrangements as are
     described above, copies or descriptions of all of which have been furnished
     previously to First Merchants, are hereinafter referred to collectively as
     the "Benefit Arrangements."  Each of the Benefit Arrangements has been
     maintained in substantial compliance with its terms and with the
     requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and
     regulations which are applicable to such Benefit Arrangements.

            (m)  Anderson has no present and knows of no future liability in
     respect of post-retirement health and medical benefits for former employees
     or directors of Anderson.

            (n)  Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, there has been
     no amendment to, written interpretation or announcement (whether or not
     written) by Anderson relating to, or change in employee participation or
     coverage under, any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement which would
     increase materially the expense of maintaining such Employee Plans or
     Benefit Arrangements above the level of the expense incurred in respect
     thereof for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.

            (o)  For purposes of this Section 5.13, references to Anderson are
     deemed to include (i) all predecessors of Anderson, (ii) any subsidiary of
     Anderson, (iii) all members of any controlled group (as determined under
     Code Section 414(b) or (c)) that includes Anderson, and (iv) all members of
     any affiliated service group (as determined under Code Section 414(m) or
     (n)) that includes Anderson.

     5.14   OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYEES.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure
Letter, all accrued obligations and liabilities of Anderson, whether arising by
operation of law, by contract or by past custom, for payments to trust or other
funds, to any government agency or body or to any individual director, officer,
employee or agent (or his heirs, legatees or legal representative) with respect
to unemployment compensation or social security benefits and all 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-12

pension, retirement, savings, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership,
stock option, stock appreciation rights or profit sharing plan, any employment,
deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or collective bargaining agreement or
group insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or
agreement maintained by Anderson for its current or former directors, officers,
employees and agents have been and are being paid to the extent required by law
or by the plan or contract, and adequate actuarial accruals and/or reserves for
such payments have been and are being made by Anderson in accordance with
generally accepted accounting and actuarial principles.  All obligations and
liabilities of Anderson, whether arising by operation of law, by contract, or by
past custom, for all forms of compensation which are or may be payable to its
current or former directors, officers, employees or agents have been and are
being paid, and adequate accruals and/or reserves for payment therefor have been
and are being made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
All accruals and reserves referred to in this Section 5.14 are correctly and
accurately reflected and accounted for in the books, statements and records of
Anderson.

     5.15.  TAXES, RETURNS AND REPORTS. Anderson has (a) duly filed all
federal, state, local and foreign tax returns of every type and kind required to
be filed as of the date hereof, and each return is true, complete and accurate
in all material respects; (b) paid in all materials respects all taxes,
assessments and other governmental charges due or claimed to be due upon it or
any of its income, properties or assets; and (c) not requested an extension of
time for any such payments (which extension is still in force).  Except for
taxes not yet due and payable, the reserve for taxes on the Financial
Information is adequate to cover all of Anderson's tax liabilities (including,
without limitation, income taxes and franchise fees) that may become payable in
future years with respect to any transactions consummated prior to June 30,
1998. Anderson has no or will not have any liability for taxes of any nature for
or with respect to the operation of its business, including the assets of any
subsidiary, from June 30, 1998 up to and including the Effective Date, except to
the extent reflected on the Financial Information or on financial statements of
Anderson subsequent to such date and as set forth in the Disclosure Letter.
Anderson is not currently under audit by any state or federal taxing authority. 
Except as set forth in the Disclosure Letter, neither the federal, state, or
local tax returns of Anderson have been audited by any taxing authority during
the past five (5) years.

     5.16.  DEPOSIT INSURANCE.  The deposits of Anderson are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") in accordance with the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act, and Anderson has paid all premiums and assessments due
with respect to such deposit insurance.

     5.17.  REPORTS.  Since January 1, 1995, Anderson has timely filed all
reports, registrations and statements, together with any required amendments
thereto, that it was required to file with (i) the Indiana Department of
Financial Institutions, (ii) the FDIC, and (iii) any federal, state, municipal
or local government, securities, banking, environmental, insurance and other
governmental or regulatory authority, and the agencies and staffs thereof
(collectively, the "Regulatory Authorities"), having jurisdiction over the
affairs of Anderson.  All such reports filed by Anderson complied in all
material respects with all the rules and regulations promulgated by the
applicable Regulatory Authorities and are true, accurate and complete and were
prepared in conformity with generally accepted regulatory accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis.  There is no unresolved violation, criticism or

                                     Ex. 10(h)-13

exception by any of the Regulatory Authorities with respect to any report or
statement filed by, or any examinations of, Anderson.

     5.18.  ABSENCE OF DEFAULTS.  Anderson is not in violation of its charter
documents or By-Laws or in default under any material agreement, commitment,
arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument, whether entered into
in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether written or oral, and
there has not occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or giving of
notice or both, would constitute such a default.

     5.19.  YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE.  To the best knowledge of Anderson, all
computer software and hardware utilized by Anderson is Year 2000 compliant,
which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean that the data outside the
range 1990-1999 will be correctly processed in any level of computer hardware or
software, including, but not limited to, microcode, firmware, applications
programs, files and databases.  All computer software used by Anderson is
designed to be used prior to, during and after the calendar year 2000 A.D., and
that such software will operate during each such time period without error
relating to date data, specifically including any error relating to, or the
product of, date data that represents or references difference centuries or more
than one century.

     5.20.  TAX AND REGULATORY MATTERS.  Anderson has not taken or agreed to
take any action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance that would (i)
prevent the transactions contemplated hereby from qualifying as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or (ii) materially impede or delay
receipt of any regulatory approval required for consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

     5.21.  REAL PROPERTY.  

            (a)  The legal description of each parcel of real property owned by
     Anderson (other than real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of
     foreclosure in the course of the collection of loans and being held by
     Anderson for disposition as required by law) is set forth in the Disclosure
     Letter under the heading of "Owned Real Property" (such real property being
     herein referred to as the "Owned Real Property").  The legal description of
     each parcel of real property leased by Anderson is also set forth in the
     Disclosure Letter under the heading of "Leased Real Property" (such real
     property being herein referred to as the "Leased Real Property").  Anderson
     shall update the Disclosure Letter within ten (10) days after acquiring or
     leasing any real property after the date hereof. Collectively, the Owned
     Real Property and the Leased Real Property are herein referred to as the
     "Real Property."
     
            (b)  There is no pending action involving Anderson as to the title
     of or the right to use any of the Real Property.

            (c)  Anderson has no interest in any other real property except
     interests as a mortgagee, and except for any real property acquired in
     foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure and being held for disposition as
     required by law.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-14

            (d)  None of the buildings, structures or other improvements
     located on the Real Property encroaches upon or over any adjoining parcel
     of real estate or any easement or right-of-way or "setback" line and all
     such buildings, structures and improvements are located and constructed in
     conformity with all applicable zoning ordinances and building codes.

            (e)  None of the buildings, structures or improvements located on
     the Real Property are the subject of any official complaint or notice by
     any governmental authority of violation of any applicable zoning ordinance
     or building code, and there is no zoning ordinance, building code, use or
     occupancy restriction or condemnation action or proceeding pending, or, to
     the best knowledge of Anderson, threatened, with respect to any such
     building, structure or improvement.  The Real Property is in good condition
     for its intended purpose, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and has been
     maintained in accordance with reasonable and prudent business practices
     applicable to like facilities.  The Real Property has been used and
     operated in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, rules,
     regulations and ordinances applicable thereto.

            (f)  Except as may be reflected in the Financial Information or
     with respect to such easements, liens, defects or encumbrances as do not
     individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the use or
     value of the Owned Real Property, Anderson has, and at the Closing Date
     will have, good and marketable title to the Owned Real Property.

            (g)  Anderson has not caused or allowed the generation, treatment,
     storage, disposal or release at any Real Property of any Toxic Substance,
     except in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and
     regulations.  "Toxic Substance" means any hazardous, toxic or dangerous
     substance, pollutant, waste, gas or material, including, without
     limitation, petroleum and petroleum products, metals, liquids, semi-solids
     or solids, that are regulated under any federal, state or local statute,
     ordinance, rule, regulation or other law pertaining to environmental
     protection, contamination, quality, waste management or cleanup.

            (h)  Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Letter, there are no
     underground storage tanks located on, in or under any Owned Real Property.
     Anderson does not own or operate any underground storage tank at any Leased
     Real Property.

            (i)  The Real Property is not "property" within the definition of
     Indiana Code 13-11-2-174. Anderson is not required to provide a "disclosure
     document" to First Merchants and Pendleton as a result of the Merger
     pursuant to the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law (I.C. Section
     13-25-3-1 ET SEQ.).

            (j)  There are no mechanic's or materialman's liens against the
     Real Property, and no unpaid claims for labor performed, materials
     furnished or services rendered in connection with constructing, improving
     or repairing the Real Property in respect of which liens may or could be
     filed against the Real Property.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-15

     5.22.  BROKER'S OR FINDER'S FEES.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure
Letter, no agent, broker or other person acting on behalf of Anderson or under
any authority of Anderson is or shall be entitled to any commission, broker's or
finder's fee or any other form of compensation or payment from any of the
parties hereto, other than attorneys' or accountants' fees, in connection with
any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     5.23.  BRING DOWN OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations
and warranties of Anderson contained in this Section 5 shall be true, accurate
and correct on and as of the Effective Date except as affected by the
transactions contemplated by and specified within the terms of this Agreement.

     5.24.  NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations
and warranties contained in this Section 5 shall expire on the Effective Date or
the earlier termination of this Agreement, and thereafter Anderson and all
directors, officers and employees of Anderson shall have no further liability
with respect thereto unless a court of competent jurisdiction should determine
that any misrepresentation or breach of a warranty was willfully or
intentionally caused either by action or inaction.

                                     SECTION 6
                                REPRESENTATIONS AND
                           WARRANTIES OF FIRST MERCHANTS

     First Merchants represents and warrants to Anderson with respect to itself
and Pendleton as follows:

     6.01.  ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.  First Merchants is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Indiana, and Pendleton is
a state bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Indiana.  First Merchants and Pendleton have the power and authority (corporate
and other) to conduct their respective businesses in the manner and by the means
utilized as of the date hereof.

     6.02.  AUTHORIZATION.

            (a)  First Merchants and Pendleton have the corporate power and
     authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out their respective
     obligations hereunder subject to certain required regulatory approvals. 
     The Agreement, when executed and delivered, will have been duly authorized
     and will constitute a valid and binding obligation of First Merchants and
     Pendleton, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent
     limited by insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, readjustment of debt,
     or other laws of general application relating to or affecting the
     enforcement of creditor's rights.

            (b)  Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the consummation
     of the transactions contemplated hereby, does or will (i) conflict with,
     result in a breach of, or constitute a default under First Merchant's or
     Pendleton's Articles of Incorporation or By-laws; (ii) conflict with,
     result in a breach of, or constitute a default under any 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-16

     federal, foreign, state, or local law, statute, ordinance, rule,
     regulation, or court or administrative order or decree, or any note, bond,
     indenture, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement, or
     commitment, to which First Merchants or Pendleton is subject or bound, the
     result of which would materially affect the business or financial condition
     of First Merchants; (iii) result in the creation of or give any person,
     corporation or entity, the right to create any lien, charge, claim,
     encumbrance, security interest, or any other rights of others or other
     adverse interest upon any right, property or asset of First Merchants or
     Pendleton; (iv) terminate or give any person, corporation or entity the
     right to terminate, amend, abandon, or refuse to perform any note, bond,
     indenture, mortgage, security agreement, contract, arrangement, or
     commitment to which First Merchants or Pendleton is a party or by which
     First Merchant or Pendleton is subject or bound; or (v) accelerate or
     modify, or give any party thereto the right to accelerate or modify, the
     time within which, or the terms according to which, First Merchants or
     Pendleton is to perform any duties or obligations or receive any rights or
     benefits under any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, security agreement,
     contract, arrangement, or commitment.

            (c)  Other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions
     of applicable federal and state securities laws, and applicable Indiana and
     federal banking and corporate statutes, all as amended, and the rules and
     regulations promulgated thereunder, no notice to, filing with,
     authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any public body
     or authority is necessary for the consummation by First Merchants and
     Pendleton of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     6.03.  CAPITALIZATION.

            (a)  As of June 30, 1998, First Merchants had 20,000,000 shares of
     common stock authorized, no par value, of which 6,697,656 shares were
     issued and outstanding. The shares of common stock are validly issued,
     fully paid and nonassessable.  Such issued and outstanding shares of First
     Merchants common stock have been duly and validly authorized by all
     necessary corporate action of First Merchants, are validly issued, fully
     paid and nonasssessable and have not been issued in violation of any
     preemptive rights of any shareholders.

            (b)  First Merchants has 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock
     authorized, no par value, no shares of which have been issued and no
     commitments exist to issue any of such shares.

            (c)  The shares of First Merchants' common stock to be issued
     pursuant to the Merger will be fully paid, validly issued and
     nonassessable.

            (d)  As of June 30, 1998, Pendleton had 114,000 shares of common
     stock authorized, $10 par value per share, of which 114,000 shares were
     issued and outstanding.  Such issued and outstanding shares of Pendleton
     common stock are owned by First Merchants, have been duly and validly
     authorized by all necessary corporate 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-17

     action of Pendleton, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and
     have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any Pendleton
     shareholders.

     6.04.  ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.  The respective Articles of Incorporation
or Association and By-laws of First Merchants and Pendleton in force as of the
date hereof have been delivered to Anderson.  The documents delivered by them
represent complete and accurate copies of the corporate documents of First
Merchants and Pendleton in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

     6.05.  ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS.  Neither this Agreement nor any report,
statement, list, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished
by First Merchants or Pendleton to Anderson in connection with this Agreement or
any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, any
information which has been or shall be supplied by First Merchants or Pendleton
with respect to their businesses, operations and financial condition for
inclusion in the proxy statement and registration statement relating to the
Merger) contains or shall contain (in the case of information relating to the
proxy statement at the time it is mailed and to the registration statement at
the time it becomes effective) any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
or shall omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are
made, not misleading.

     6.06.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.  Neither First Merchants nor Pendleton have
engaged in any activity nor taken or omitted to take any action which has
resulted or, to the knowledge of First Merchants, could result in the violation
of any local, state, federal or foreign law, statute, rule, regulation or
ordinance or of any order, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or
government agency or body, the violation of which could materially adversely
affect the business, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of
operations of First Merchants.  First Merchants and Pendleton possess all
licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the
continued conduct of their respective businesses without material interference
or interruption.  There are no agreements or understandings with, nor any orders
or directives of, any regulatory agencies or government authorities, which would
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of First
Merchants.  Pendleton has received no written inquiries from any regulatory
agency or government authority relating to its compliance with the Bank Secrecy
Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act or the Community Reinvestment Act.

     6.07.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  First Merchants' consolidated balance sheets
as of the end of the three (3) fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997 and the six months ended June 30, 1998 and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years or
period then ended present fairly the consolidated financial condition or
position of First Merchants as of the respective dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations of First Merchants for the respective periods
covered thereby and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.  All required regulatory
reports have been filed by First Merchants with its primary federal regulator
during 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and all of such reports are true, 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-18

accurate and complete in all material respects and have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted regulatory accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis.

     6.08.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Except for events and conditions
relating to the business environment in general, since June 30, 1998, no events
or conditions of any character, whether actual, threatened or contemplated, have
occurred, or can reasonably be expected to occur, which materially adversely
affect First Merchants consolidated business, prospects, conditions (financial
or otherwise), assets or results of operations or which have caused, or can
reasonably be expected to cause, First Merchants business, on a consolidated
basis, to be conducted in a materially less profitable manner than prior to June
30, 1998.

     6.09.  FIRST MERCHANTS SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS.  First
Merchants has filed all reports and other documents required to be filed by it
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933,
including First Merchants' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1998, copies of which have previously been delivered to Anderson.

     6.10   LITIGATION AND PENDING PROCEEDINGS.  There are no claims of any
kind, nor any action, suits, proceedings, arbitrations or investigations pending
or to the knowledge of First Merchants threatened in any court or before any
government agency or body, arbitration panel or otherwise (nor does First
Merchants have any knowledge of a basis for any claim, action, suit, proceeding,
arbitration or investigation) against, by or materially adversely affecting
First Merchants or its business, prospects, conditions (financial or otherwise),
results of operations or assets, or which would prevent the performance of this
Agreement or declare the same unlawful or cause the recission hereof.  There are
no material uncured violations, or violations with respect to which material
refunds or restitutions may be required, cited in any compliance report to First
Merchants as a result of an examination by any regulatory agency or body.

     6.11   YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE.  To the best knowledge of First Merchants,
all computer software and hardware utilized by First Merchants is Year 2000
compliant, which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean that the data
outside the range 1990-1999 will be correctly processed in any level of computer
hardware or software, including, but not limited to, microcode, firmware,
applications programs, files and databases.  All computer software used by First
Merchants is designed to be used prior to, during and after the calendar year
2000 A.D., and that such software will operate during each such time period
without error relating to date data, specifically including any error relating
to, or the product of, date data that represents or references different
centuries or more than one century.

     6.12.  SEPARATE EXISTENCE OF THE CONTINUING BANK.  First Merchants
acknowledges that its present intention is to retain the Continuing Bank as a
separate banking subsidiary of First Merchants for a period of five (5) years
after the Effective Date.

     6.13.  BRING DOWN OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations
and warranties of First Merchants and Pendleton contained in this Section 6
shall be true, accurate 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-19

and correct on and as of the Effective Date except as affected by the
transactions contemplated by and specified within the terms of this Agreement.

     6.14.  NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations
and warranties contained in this Section 6 shall expire on the Effective Date or
the earlier termination of this Agreement, and thereafter First Merchants and
Pendleton and all directors, officers and employees of First Merchants and
Pendleton shall have no further liability with respect thereto unless a court of
competent jurisdiction should determine that any misrepresentation or breach of
a warranty was willfully or intentionally caused either by action or inaction.

                                     SECTION 7
                               COVENANTS OF ANDERSON

     Anderson covenants and agrees with First Merchants and Pendleton as
follows:

     7.01.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  Anderson shall submit this Agreement to its
shareholders for approval at a meeting to be called and held in accordance with
applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of Anderson at the
earliest possible reasonable date.  The Board of Directors of Anderson shall
recommend to the shareholders of Anderson that such shareholders approve this
Agreement and shall not thereafter withdraw or modify its recommendation.  The
Board of Directors of Anderson shall use its best efforts to obtain any vote of
its shareholders necessary for the approval of this Agreement.

     7.02.  OTHER APPROVALS.  Anderson shall proceed expeditiously, cooperate
fully and use its best efforts to procure upon reasonable terms and conditions
all consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations and certificates, to
complete all filings and applications and to satisfy all other requirements
prescribed by law which are necessary for consummation of the Merger on the
terms and conditions provided in this Agreement at the earliest possible
reasonable date.

     7.03.  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. 

            (a)  On and after the date of this Agreement and until the
     Effective Date or until this Agreement shall be terminated as herein
     provided, Anderson shall not, without the prior written consent of First
     Merchants, (i) make any material changes in its capital structure; (ii)
     authorize a class of stock or, except upon the exercise of stock options
     disclosed pursuant to Section 5.03(b), issue, or authorize the issuance of,
     stock other than or in addition to the outstanding stock as set forth in
     Section 5.03 hereof; (iii) declare, distribute or pay any dividends on its
     shares of common stock, or authorize a stock split, or make any other
     distribution to its shareholders; (iv) merge, combine or consolidate with
     or sell its assets or any of its securities to any other person,
     corporation or entity, effect a share exchange or enter into any other
     transaction not in the ordinary course of business; (v) incur any liability
     or obligation, make any commitment, payment or disbursement, enter into any
     contract, agreement, understanding or arrangement or engage in any
     transaction, or acquire or dispose of any property or asset having a fair
     market value in excess of $10,000.00 (except for 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-20

     personal or real property acquired or disposed of in connection with
     foreclosures on mortgages or enforcement of security interests and loans
     made or sold by Anderson in the ordinary course of business); (vi) subject
     any of its properties or assets to a mortgage, lien, claim, charge, option,
     restriction, security interest or encumbrance; (vii) promote or increase or
     decrease the rate of compensation (except for promotions and non-material
     increases in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with past
     practices) or enter into any agreement to promote or increase or decrease
     the rate of compensation of any director, officer or employee of Anderson;
     (viii) execute, create, institute, modify or amend any pension, retirement,
     savings, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock option, stock
     appreciation or depreciation right or prfit sharing plans, any employment,
     deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or collective bargaining
     agreement, group insurance contract or other incentive, welfare or employee
     benefit plan or agreement for current or former directors, officers or
     employees of Anderson, change the level of benefits or payments under any
     of the foregoing or increase or decrease any severance or termination of
     pay benefits or any other fringe or employee benefits other than as
     required by law or regulatory authorities; (ix) amend its Articles of
     Incorporation or By-Laws from those in effect on the date of this
     Agreement; (x) modify, amend or institute new employment policies or
     practices, or enter into, renew or extend any employment or severance
     agreements with respect to any present or former Anderson directors,
     officers or employees; (xi) give, dispose, sell, convey, assign,
     hypothecate, pledge, encumber or otherwise transfer or grant a security
     interest in any common stock of Anderson; (xii) fail to make additions to
     Anderson's reserve for loan losses, or any other reserve account, in the
     ordinary course of business and in accordance with sound banking practices;
     (xiii) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
     practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or assume, guarantee,
     endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible or liable for
     the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity; and
     (xiv) agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing actions.

            (b)  Anderson shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, in full
     force and effect insurance on its properties and operations and fidelity
     coverage on its directors, officers and employees in such amounts and with
     regard to such liabilities and hazards as customarily are maintained by
     other companies operating similar businesses.

            (c)  Anderson shall continue to give to First Merchants and
     Pendleton and their respective employees, accountants, attorneys and other
     authorized representatives reasonable access during regular business hours
     and other reasonable times to all its premises, properties, statements,
     books and records.

     7.04.  PRESERVATION OF BUSINESS.  On and after the date of this Agreement
and until the Effective Date or until this Agreement is terminated as herein
provided, Anderson shall (a) carry on its business diligently, substantially in
the same manner as heretofore conducted, and in the ordinary course of business;
(b) use its best efforts to preserve its business organizations intact, to keep
its present officers and employees and to preserve its present relationship with
customers and others having business dealings with them; and (c) not do or fail
to do anything 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-21

which will cause a material breach of, or material default in, any contract,
agreement, commitment, obligation, understanding, arrangement, lease or license
to which it is a party or by which it is or may be subject or bound.

     7.05   OTHER NEGOTIATIONS.  Except with the prior written approval of
First Merchants and Pendleton, on and after the date of this Agreement and until
the Effective Date, Anderson shall not, and shall not permit or authorize its
respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives to,
directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit, encourage, or engage in discussions
or negotiations with, or provide information to, any corporation, association,
partnership, person or other entity or group concerning any merger,
consolidation, share exchange, combination, purchase or sale of substantial
assets, sale of shares of capital stock (or securities convertible or
exchangeable into or otherwise evidencing, or any agreement or instrument
evidencing the right to acquire, capital stock), tender offer, acquisition of
control of Anderson or similar transaction involving Anderson (all such
transactions hereinafter referred to as "Acquisition Transactions").  Anderson
shall promptly communicate to First Merchants and Pendleton the terms of any
proposal, written or oral, which it may receive with respect to an Acquisition
Transaction and any request by or indication of interest on the part of any
third party with respect to initiation of any Acquisition Transaction or
discussion with respect thereto.  The above provisions of this Section 7.05
notwithstanding, nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit (i) Anderson
from furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
with, any person or entity that makes an unsolicited proposal of an Acquisition
Transaction if and to the extent that (a) the Board of Directors of Anderson,
after consultation with and based upon the written advice of legal counsel,
determines in good faith that such action is required for the directors of
Anderson to fulfill their fiduciary duties and obligations to the Anderson
shareholders and other constituencies under Indiana law, and (b) prior to
furnishing such information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
with, such person or entity, Anderson provides immediate written notice to First
Merchants and Pendleton to the effect that it is furnishing information to, or
entering into discussions or negotiations with, such person or entity, or (ii)
notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.01, the Board of Directors of
Anderson from failing to make, withdrawing or modifying its recommendation to
shareholders regarding the Merger following receipt of a proposal for an
Acquisition Transaction if the Board of Directors of Anderson, after
consultation with and based upon the written advice of legal counsel, determines
in good faith that such action is required for the directors of Anderson to
fulfill their fiduciary duties and obligations to the Anderson shareholders and
other constituencies under Indiana law.

     7.06.  RESTRICTIONS REGARDING AFFILIATES.  Anderson shall, within thirty
(30) days after the date of this Agreement and promptly thereafter until the
Effective Date to reflect any changes or upon the request of First Merchants,
provide First Merchants with a list identifying each person who may reasonably
be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Anderson within the meaning of such term as
used in Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). 
Each director, executive officer and other person who is an "affiliate" of
Anderson for purposes of the 1933 Act shall deliver to First Merchants, at least
thirty-one (31) days prior to the Effective Date, a written agreement, in form
and substance satisfactory to counsel to First Merchants, regarding compliance
by each such person with (i) the provisions of such Rule 145, and (ii) the
requirements of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-22

regarding the disposition of shares (or reduction of risk with respect thereto)
of Anderson common stock during the thirty (30) days preceding the Effective
Date, or First Merchants common stock until such time as financial results
covering at least thirty (30) days of post-Merger operations have been
published.

     7.07.  PRESS RELEASE. Anderson shall not issue any press releases or make
any other public announcements or disclosures relating to the Merger without the
prior approval of First Merchants and Pendleton.

     7.08.  DISCLOSURE LETTER UPDATE.  Anderson shall promptly supplement,
amend and update monthly and as of the Effective Date the Disclosure Letter with
respect to any matters hereafter arising which, if in existence or having
occurred as of the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set
forth or described in the Disclosure Letter.

     7.09   CONFIDENTIALITY.  Anderson shall use its best efforts to cause its
officers, employees, and authorized representatives to, hold in strict
confidence all confidential data and information obtained by it from First
Merchants and Pendleton, unless such information (i) was already known to
Anderson, (ii) becomes available to Anderson from other sources, (iii) is
independently developed by Anderson, (iv) is disclosed outside of Anderson with
and in accordance with the terms of prior written approval of First Merchants or
Pendleton, or (v) is or becomes readily ascertainable from public or published
information or trade sources or public disclosure of such information is
required by law or requested by a court or other governmental agency,
commission, or regulatory body. Anderson further agrees that in the event this
Agreement is terminated, it will return to First Merchants and Pendleton all
information obtained by Anderson regarding First Merchants and Pendleton,
including all copies made of such information by Anderson.  This provision shall
survive the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

     7.10   COOPERATION.  Anderson shall generally cooperate with First
Merchants and Pendleton and their respective officers, employees, attorneys,
accountants and other agents, and, generally, do such other acts and things in
good faith as may be reasonable, necessary or appropriate to timely effectuate
the intents and purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, (i) Anderson
shall cooperate and assist First Merchants and Pendleton in preparation of
and/or filing of all regulatory applications, the registration statement for
registration of First Merchants' shares, and all other documentation required to
be prepared for consummation of the Merger and obtaining all necessary
approvals, and (ii) Anderson shall furnish First Merchants and Pendleton with
all information concerning itself that First Merchants and Pendleton may request
in connection with the preparation of the documentation referenced above.  Prior
to the Closing (as defined in Section 12 hereof), Anderson agrees to disclose to
First Merchants and Pendleton any fact or matter that comes to the attention of
Anderson that might indicate that any of the representations or warranties of
Anderson may be untrue, incorrect, or misleading in any material respect.

     7.11.  ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS.  Anderson, at its sole cost and expense,
shall provide to First Merchants and Pendleton, as soon as reasonably practical,
but not later than thirty (30) 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-23

days after the date hereof, a copy of any and all environmental reports
currently in Anderson's possession or which Anderson can obtain without undue
effort on all real property owned, leased or operated by Anderson as of the date
hereof (but excluding space in retail and similar establishments leased by
Anderson for automatic teller machines or bank branch facilities where the space
leased comprises less than 20% of the total space leased to all tenants of such
property).  Anderson shall not be required by this Section 7.11 to cause any new
environmental investigations to be conducted or environmental reports to be
prepared.  Should the cost of taking all remedial or other corrective actions
and measures relating to real property owned, leased or operated by Anderson (i)
required by applicable law or reasonable likely to be required by applicable
law, or (ii) recommended or suggested by any report or reports as prudent in
light of serious life, health or safety concerns, in the aggregate, exceed the
sum of $100,000 as reasonably estimated by an environmental expert retained for
such purpose by First Merchants and Pendleton and reasonably acceptable to
Anderson, or if the cost of such actions and measures cannot be so reasonably
estimated by such expert to be such amount or less with any reasonable degree of
certainty, then First Merchants shall have the right for a period of fifteen
(15) business days following receipt of such estimate or indication that the
cost of such actions and measures cannot be so reasonably estimated to terminate
this Agreement by providing written notice of such termination to Anderson.

     7.12.  LETTER TO ANDERSON SHAREHOLDERS.  Within five (5) business days
after execution of this Agreement by Anderson, Pendleton and First Merchants,
Anderson shall deposit in the United States mail a letter to each of the
shareholders of record of Anderson as of the date of execution of this Agreement
informing each shareholder about the execution of this Agreement and the
proposed Merger.  The terms of such letter to the shareholders of Anderson shall
be in a form mutually agreed to by First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson.

     7.13.  EXERCISE OF OPTIONS.  Anderson shall cause the stock options
disclosed pursuant to Section 5.03(b) to be exercised and the related shares of
Anderson common stock to be issued on or before the Effective Date.  Anderson
commits that no cash shall be paid to option holders in connection with the
exercise of such options and that immediately prior to the effective time of the
Merger, Anderson will have 612,434 shares of common stock outstanding.
                                          
                                     SECTION 8
                     COVENANTS OF FIRST MERCHANTS AND PENDLETON

     First Merchants and Pendleton covenant and agree with Anderson as follows:

     8.01.  APPROVALS. First Merchants and Pendleton shall proceed
expeditiously, cooperate fully and use their best efforts to procure upon
reasonable terms and conditions all consents, authorizations, approvals,
registrations and certificates, to complete all filings and applications and to
satisfy all other requirements prescribed by law which are necessary for
consummation of the Merger on the terms and conditions provided in this
Agreement. First Merchants and Pendleton shall provide Anderson with copies of
proposed regulatory filings in connection with the Merger and afford Anderson
the opportunity to offer comment on the filings before filing.  

                                     Ex. 10(h)-24

The approval of the shareholders of First Merchants of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is not required.

     8.02.  PENDLETON SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  First Merchants, as the sole
shareholder of Pendleton, shall approve the Merger and the terms of this
Agreement as required by law.

     8.03.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. No later than January 1, 2000, First
Merchants will permit Anderson employees to participate in any tax-qualified
retirement plan First Merchants maintains for its employees, provided that such
an employee meets the applicable participation requirements, in lieu of
Anderson's current tax-qualified retirement plan(s).  Until that time,
Anderson's current tax-qualified retirement plan(s) will be maintained at the
same level, with respect to benefit accruals, provided for on the Effective
Date.  Following the Effective Date, Anderson employees will otherwise
participate in employee benefit plans that in the aggregate are substantially
comparable to the employee benefit plans provided to those employees by Anderson
on the Effective Date. Each Anderson employee who is still employed by Anderson
on the Effective Date and is a participant in the Anderson 401(k) plan shall be
fully vested with respect to all contributions made by or on behalf of such
employee under the Anderson 401(k) plan.  For purposes of determining an
Anderson employee's eligibility and vesting service under a First Merchant's
employee benefit plan that the employee is permitted to enter, service with
Anderson will be treated as service with First Merchants; provided, however,
that service with Anderson shall not be treated as service with First Merchants
for purposes of benefit accrual under First Merchants' defined benefit pension
plan.  In addition, service with Anderson will be counted for seniority purposes
for determining applicable vacation time, sick days, and years of service awards
with First Merchants.

     8.04.  FIRST MERCHANTS' BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  In connection with the first
annual meeting of the shareholders of First Merchants following the Effective
Date, First Merchants shall cause all necessary action to be taken to cause the
current Chairman of the Board of Anderson, James F. Ault, to be nominated for
election as a member of the First Merchants' Board of Directors for a three
(3)-year term.

     8.05.  PRESS RELEASE.  Except as required by law, neither First Merchants
nor Pendleton shall issue any press release to any national wire service
relating solely to the Merger without the prior approval of Anderson.

     8.06.  CONFIDENTIALITY. First Merchants and Pendleton shall, and shall use
their best efforts to cause their respective officers, employees, and authorized
representatives to, hold in strict confidence all confidential data and
information obtained by them from Anderson, unless such information (i) was
already known to First Merchants or Pendleton, (ii) becomes available to First
Merchants or Pendleton from other sources, (iii) is independently developed by
First Merchants or Pendleton, (iv) is disclosed outside of First Merchants or
Pendleton with and in accordance with the terms of prior written approval of
Anderson, or (v) is or becomes readily ascertainable from public or published
information or trade sources or public disclosure of such information is
required by law or requested by a court or other governmental agency,
commission, or regulatory body. First Merchants and Pendleton further agree that
in the event this Agreement is terminated, they will return to Anderson all 
information obtained by First 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-25

Merchants and Pendleton regarding Anderson, including all copies made of such
information by First Merchants and Pendleton.  This provision shall survive the
Effective Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

     8.07.  ANDERSON EMPLOYEES.  On or before the Effective Date, it is First
Merchants' present intention to offer to employ all employees of Anderson, who
are currently actively employed by Anderson, a position either at the Anderson
Community Banking Centers of the Continuing Bank or some other position within
the First Merchants organization commencing on the Effective Date; provided such
Anderson employees satisfy all employment application and qualification
requirements applicable to all prospective First Merchants employees.  In the
event any offer of employment by First Merchants is accepted by any Anderson
employees, First Merchants shall not be obligated to continue any employment
relationship with any former Anderson employee for any specific period of time
and such former Anderson employees shall be employees at will with First
Merchants.  This Section 8.07 expresses the current intentions of First
Merchants with respect to the employees of Anderson, but shall not be construed
as a binding obligation of First Merchants or a guarantee of employment of all
Anderson employees.

     8.08.  DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION.

     (a)    After the Effective Date, First Merchants and Pendleton shall
indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present and former officers and
directors of Anderson against all losses, expenses, claims, damages and
liabilities arising out of actions or omissions (arising from their present or
former status as officers or directors) occurring on or prior to the Effective
Date to the full extent permitted under the applicable provisions of Indiana law
and under the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Anderson, as in effect on
the date hereof.  

     (b)    If, after the Effective Date, First Merchants or Pendleton or any
of its or their successors or assigns (i) shall consolidate with or merge into
any other corporation or entity and shall not be the continuing or surviving
corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) shall transfer all
or substantially all of its properties and assets to any individual, corporation
or other entity, then and in each such case, proper provision shall be made so
that the successors and assigns of First Merchants and/or Pendleton shall assume
the obligations set forth in this Section 8.08.

     8.09   ACCESS.  On and after the date of this Agreement and until the
Effective Date or until this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, First
Merchants and Pendleton shall continue to give Anderson and its employees,
accountants, attorneys and other authorized representatives reasonable access
during regular business hours and other reasonable times to all its premises,
properties, statements, books and records.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-26

                                     SECTION 9
                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER

     The obligation of each of the parties hereto to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction and fulfillment of
each of the following conditions on or prior to the Effective Date:

     9.01.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  The shareholders of Anderson shall have
approved, ratified and confirmed this Agreement as required by applicable law. 
First Merchants, as the sole shareholder of Pendleton, shall have approved,
ratified and confirmed this Agreement as required by applicable law.

     9.02.  REGISTRATION STATEMENT EFFECTIVE. First Merchants shall have
registered its shares of common stock to be issued to shareholders of Anderson
in accordance with this Agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to the 1933 Act, and all state securities and "blue sky" approvals and
authorizations required to offer and sell such shares shall have been received
by First Merchants.  The registration statement with respect thereto shall have
been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and no stop
order shall have been issued or threatened.

     9.03.  TAX OPINION.  The parties shall have obtained an opinion of
counsel, which shall be in form and content satisfactory to counsel for all
parties hereto, to the effect that the Merger effected pursuant to this
Agreement shall constitute a tax-free transaction (except to the extent cash or
boot is received) to each party hereto and to the shareholders of each party. 
Such opinion shall be based upon factual representations received by such
counsel from the parties, which representations may take the form of written
certifications.

     9.04.  AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS.  First Merchants shall have obtained (a) from
Anderson, a list identifying each affiliate of Anderson and (b) from each
affiliate of Anderson, the agreements contemplated by Section 7.06 hereof.

     9.05.  REGULATORY APPROVALS. The FDIC and the Indiana Department of
Financial Institutions shall have authorized and approved the Merger and the
transactions related thereto.  In addition, all appropriate orders, consents,
approvals and clearances from all other regulatory agencies and governmental
authorities whose orders, consents, approvals or clearances are required by law
for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have
been obtained.

     9.06.  OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE. First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson
shall have delivered to each other a certificate signed by their Chairman or
President and their Secretary, dated the Effective Date, certifying that (a) all
the representations and warranties of their respective entities are true,
accurate and correct on and as of the Effective Date; (b) all the covenants of
their respective entities have been complied with from the date of this
Agreement through and as of the Effective Date; and (c) their respective
entities have satisfied and fully complied with all conditions necessary to make
this Agreement effective as to them.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-27

     9.07.  FAIRNESS OPINION.  Anderson shall have obtained an opinion from an
investment banker of its choosing to the effect that the terms of the Merger are
fair to the shareholders of Anderson from a financial viewpoint.  Such opinion
shall be (a) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Anderson, (b)
dated as of a date not later than the mailing date of the Proxy Statement
relating to the Merger and (c) included in the Proxy Statement.  

     9.08.  POOLING OF INTERESTS. First Merchants and Pendleton shall have
obtained from their independent accountants, Olive, LLP, a letter stating that,
based upon their review of such documents and information which they deemed
relevant, such firm is currently unaware of any reason why the Merger cannot be
accounted for as a "pooling of interests."

     9.09.  NO JUDICIAL PROHIBITION.  Neither Anderson, Pendleton nor First
Merchants shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court or
agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits the consummation of
the Merger.

     9.10.  OTHER CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  All consents and other approvals
required for the transfer of any contracts, agreements, leases, loans, etc. as a
result of the Merger shall have been obtained.

                                     SECTION 10
                               TERMINATION OF MERGER

     10.01. MANNER OF TERMINATION.  This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Date by
written notice delivered by First Merchants or Pendleton to Anderson or by
Anderson to First Merchants and Pendleton:

            (a)  By Anderson, First Merchants or Pendleton, if there has been a
     material misrepresentation, a breach of warranty or a failure to comply
     with any covenant on the part of any party in the representations,
     warranties, and covenants set forth herein; provided that Anderson shall
     have no right to terminate for its own default, that First Merchants shall
     have no right to terminate for its own default or a default by Pendleton,
     and that Pendleton shall have no right to terminate for its own default or
     a default by First Merchants;

            (b)  By Anderson, First Merchants or Pendleton, if it shall
     determine in its sole discretion that the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement have become inadvisable or impracticable by reason of
     commencement or threat of material litigation or proceedings against any of
     the parties;

            (c)  By Anderson, if the financial condition, business, assets, or
     results of operations of First Merchants shall have been materially and
     adversely changed from that in existence at June 30, 1998, or by First
     Merchants or Pendleton, if the financial condition, business, assets, or
     results of operations of Anderson shall have been materially and adversely
     changed from that in existence at June 30, 1998;

                                     Ex. 10(h)-28

            (d)  By Anderson, First Merchants or Pendleton, if the transaction
     contemplated herein has not been consummated by April 30, 1999 (provided
     that if Anderson is the terminating party that it is not then in material
     breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement
     contained herein, if First Merchants is the terminating party that neither
     it nor Pendleton is then in material breach of any representation,
     warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein, or if Pendleton is
     the terminating party that neither it nor First Merchants is then in
     material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
     agreement contained herein);

            (e)  By First Merchants or Pendleton if any of the items, events or
     information set forth in any update to the Disclosure Letter has had or may
     have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of
     operations, business, or prospects of Anderson; 

            (f)  By First Merchants, Pendleton or Anderson if, in the opinion
     of counsel to First Merchants and Pendleton or to Anderson, the Merger will
     not constitute a tax-free reorganization under the Code;

            (g)  By First Merchants if the Merger cannot be accounted for as a
     "pooling of interests";

            (h)  By Anderson, (i) if First Merchants or any of its subsidiary
     banks (including Pendleton) is acquired by a third party in a merger,
     consolidation, share exchange, stock transaction or asset transaction, (ii)
     if First Merchants enters into an agreement containing the terms and
     conditions of such a transaction, or (iii) if the terms and conditions of
     such a transaction involving First Merchants or any of its subsidiary banks
     (including Pendleton) are publicly disclosed; 

            (i)  By First Merchants pursuant to its termination rights set
     forth in Section 7.11 hereof;

            (j)  By Anderson, if the appropriate discharge of the fiduciary
     duties of the Board of Directors of Anderson consistent with Section 7.05
     requires that Anderson terminate this Agreement;

            (k)  By First Merchants or Pendleton if it receives written notice
     under Section 7.05 that Anderson intends to furnish information to or enter
     into discussions or negotiations with a third party in connection with a
     proposed Acquisition Transaction, if Anderson fails to give any such
     written notice as required in Section 7.05 or if Anderson's Board of
     Directors fails to make, withdraws or modifies its recommendation to
     Anderson shareholders to vote in favor of the Merger following receipt of a
     proposal for an Acquisition Transaction; or

            (l)  By either party (provided that the terminating party is not
     then in 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-29

     material breach of any representation or warranty contained in this
     Agreement or in material breach of any covenant or other agreement
     contained in this Agreement) in the event that any of the conditions
     precedent to the obligations of such party to consummate the Merger cannot
     be satisfied or fulfilled by the date specified in Section 10.1(d) of this
     Agreement.

            10.02.       EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  Except as provided below, in
     the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the provisions of
     Section 10.01 hereof, no party shall have any liability to any other party
     for costs, expenses, damages or otherwise; provided, however, that
     notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that this Agreement is
     terminated pursuant to Section 10.01(a) hereof on account of a willful
     breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth herein or any
     breach of any of the agreements set forth herein, then the non-breaching
     party shall be entitled to recover appropriate damages from the breaching
     party, including, without limitation, reimbursement to the non-breaching
     party of its costs, fees and expenses (including attorneys', accountants'
     and advisors' fees and expenses) incident to the negotiation, preparation
     and execution of this Agreement and related documentation; provided,
     however that nothing in this proviso shall be deemed to constitute
     liquidated damages for the willful breach by a party of the terms of this
     Agreement or otherwise limit the rights of the non-breaching party. 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination by First
     Merchants or Pendleton in accordance with Section 10.01(k) or by Anderson
     in accordance with Section 10.01(j), Anderson shall pay First Merchants the
     sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000) as liquidated
     damages.  Such liquidated damages shall be in lieu of cost, expenses and
     damages otherwise recoverable under the first sentence of this Section
     10.02.  Such payment shall be made within ten (10) days of the date of
     notice of termination.  Anderson acknowledges the reasonableness of such
     amount in light of the considerable time and expense invested and to be
     invested by First Merchants and its representatives in furtherance of the
     Merger. Such amount was agreed upon by First Merchants and Anderson as
     compensation to First Merchants for its time and expense and not as a
     penalty to Anderson, it being impossible to ascertain the exact value of
     the time and expense to be invested.  First Merchants shall also be
     entitled to recover from Anderson its reasonable attorney fees incurred in
     the enforcement of this Section.
                                          
                                     SECTION 11
                              EFFECTIVE DATE OF MERGER

     Subject to the terms and upon satisfaction of all requirements of law and
the conditions specified in this Agreement, the Merger shall become effective at
the close of business on the day specified in the Articles of Merger of Anderson
with and into Pendleton as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Indiana (the "Effective Date").  The Effective Date shall occur no later than
the last business day of the month in which any waiting period following the
last approval of the Merger by a state or federal regulatory agency or
governmental authority expires.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-30

                                     SECTION 12
                                      CLOSING

     12.01. CLOSING DATE AND PLACE.  The closing of the Merger (the "Closing")
shall take place at the main office of First Merchants on the Effective Date or
at such other place as mutually agreed to by First Merchants, Pendleton and
Anderson.
 
     12.02. ARTICLES OF MERGER.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
on the Effective Date, the Articles of Merger shall be duly filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Indiana.

     12.03. OPINIONS OF COUNSEL.  At the Closing, Anderson shall deliver an
opinion of its counsel, Leagre, Chandler & Millard, to First Merchants, and
First Merchants and Pendleton shall deliver an opinion of their counsel, Bingham
Summers Welsh & Spilman, to Anderson, dated as of the date of the Closing.  The
form of such opinions shall be as mutually agreed to by the parties hereto and
their respective counsel.

                                     SECTION 13
                                   MISCELLANEOUS

     13.01. EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns, but none of the provisions thereof shall inure to the benefit
of any other person, firm, or corporation whomsoever, except as expressly
applied to the current and former officers and directors of First Merchants,
Pendleton and Anderson and their beneficiaries.  Neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder shall be assigned or
transferred by either party hereto without the prior written consent of the
other party.

     13.02. WAIVER; AMENDMENT.

            (a)  First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson may, by an instrument
     in writing executed in the same manner as this Agreement: (i) extend the
     time for the performance of any of the covenants or agreements of any other
     party under this Agreement; (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the
     representations or warranties of any other party contained in this
     Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto; (iii)
     waive the performance by any other party of any of the covenants or
     agreements to be performed by it or them under this Agreement; or (iv)
     waive the satisfaction or fulfillment of any condition the nonsatisfaction
     or nonfulfillment of which is a condition to the right of the party so
     waiving to terminate this Agreement.  The waiver by any party hereto of a
     breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed
     as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach hereunder.

            (b)  Notwithstanding the prior approval by the shareholders of
     Anderson, this Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented by the
     written agreement of Anderson, Pendleton and First Merchants without
     further approval of such shareholders, except that no such amendment,
     modification or supplement shall result 

                                     Ex. 10(h)-31

in a decrease in the consideration specified in Section 3 hereof or shall
materially adversely affect the rights of the shareholders of Anderson without
the further approval of such shareholders.

     13.03. NOTICES.  Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall
be deemed to have been duly given if delivered in person, receipted for or sent
by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:

     If to First Merchants and Pendleton:    With a copy to:

     200 E. Jackson Street, Box 792          Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman
     Muncie, IN  47305                       2700 Market Tower
     Attn:  Stefan S. Anderson,              10 West Market Street
       Chairman and Chief Executive          Indianapolis, Indiana  46204-2982
       Officer                               Attn:  David R. Prechtel, Esq.

     If to Anderson:                         With a copy to:

     19 West 10th Street                     Leagre, Chandler & Millard
     Anderson, IN  46016                     9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 800
     Attn:  James F. Ault, Chairman          Indianapolis, Indiana  46240
     Attn:  Michael L. Baker                 Attn:  John R. Zerkle, Esq.

or to such substituted address as any of them have given to the other in
writing. 

     13.04.  HEADINGS.  The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely
for the ease of reference and should not be considered in the interpretation or
construction of this Agreement.

     13.05.  SEVERABILITY.  In case any one or more of the provisions contained
herein shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable
in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not
affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be
construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or provisions
had never been contained herein.

     13.06. COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument. In addition, this Agreement and
the documents to be delivered hereunder may be executed by the parties hereto
either manually or by facsimile signatures, each of which shall constitute an
original signature.

     13.07.  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement is executed in and shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana.

                                     Ex. 10(h)-32

     13.08. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement supersedes any other agreement,
whether oral or written, between First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson
relating to the matters contemplated hereby, and constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties hereto.

     13.09. EXPENSES. First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson shall each pay
their own expenses incidental to the transactions contemplated hereby.  It is
understood that the cost of the fairness opinion referenced in Section 9.07
shall be borne by Anderson whether or not the Merger is consummated.  This
provision shall survive the Effective Date or the earlier termination of this
Agreement.

     13.10  SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS.  The provisions of Sections 7.09, 8.06,
10.02, 10.03, 13.09 and this Section 13.10 shall survive beyond the termination
of this Agreement.  The provisions of Sections 8.03, 8.04, 8.08, 13.09 and this
Section 13.10 shall survive beyond the Effective Date.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, First Merchants, Pendleton and Anderson have made and
entered into this Agreement as of the day and year first above written and have
caused this Agreement to be executed and attested by their duly authorized
officers.

                                        FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
ATTEST:

/s/ Larry R. Helms                 By: /s/ Stefan S. Anderson
- ------------------------------          ---------------------------------------
Larry R. Helms, Secretary               Stefan S. Anderson, Chairman and Chief
                                        Executive Officer

                                        PENDLETON BANKING COMPANY
ATTEST:

/s/ Sherry Hazelbaker              By: /s/ Norman Locke
- ------------------------------          ---------------------------------------
Sherry Hazelbaker, Secretary            Norman Locke, President
     
     ANDERSON COMMUNITY BANK

ATTEST:

/s/ Michael E. Stephens            By: /s/ Michael L. Baker
- ------------------------------          ---------------------------------------
Michael E. Stephens, Secretary          Michael L. Baker, President 
                                        and Chief Executive Officer

                                     Ex. 10(h)-33

                              SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

     The following entities are subsidiaries of the Registrant, First Merchants
Corporation, as of the date hereof:

 

     Name of Registrant's Subsidiary                   State of Incorporation or Organization
     -------------------------------                   ---------------------------------------
                                                    
     First Merchants Bank, National Association        Under the laws of the United States
       (also doing business as First Merchants
       Bank of  Hamilton County)
     200 East Jackson Street
     Muncie, Indiana  47305

     First United Bank                                 Indiana
     709 Mill Street
     Middletown, Indiana  47356

     Pendleton Banking Company                         Indiana
     100 West State Street, Box 210
     Pendleton, Indiana  46064

     First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc.          Indiana
     200 East Jackson Street
     Muncie, Indiana  47305
       (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pendleton 
       Banking Company)

     The Randolph County Bank                          Indiana
     122 West Washington Street
     Winchester, Indiana  47394

     The Union County National Bank                    Under the laws of the United States
       of Liberty   
     107 West Union, Box 217
     Liberty, Indiana  47353

 

                                       Ex. 21-1

                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 and Prospectus of First Merchants Corporation, relating to the issuance
of securities in the proposed merger of Jay Financial Corporation into First
Merchants Corporation, of our report, dated January 23, 1998 on the consolidated
financial statements of First Merchants Corporation as of December 31, 1997 and
1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.  We
also consent to the reference to our firm appearing under the headings "Selected
Financial Data" and "Experts" in the Prospectus.

Olive LLP
December 28, 1998
Indianapolis, Indiana

                                      Ex.23(a)-1

                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Board of Directors 
Jay Financial Corporation
Portland, Indiana

We consent to the inclusion in the Registration Statement Form S-4 and
Prospectus of First Merchants Corporation, relating to the issuance of
securities in the proposed merger of Jay Financial Corporation into First
Merchants Corporation, of our report, dated January 8, 1998, except for Note 15,
as to which the date is August 20, 1998, on the consolidated financial
statements of Jay Financial Corporation as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for
the years then ended.  We also consent to the reference to our firm appearing
under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus. 

                              Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP

December 28, 1998
Indianapolis, Indiana

                                      Ex.23(b)-1

                            CONSENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR

We consent to the use of our fairness opinion letter dated August 19, 1998 and
the update to be dated as of the date of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement forming
a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by First Merchants
Corporation in connection with the proposed merger of Jay Financial Corporation
to be included in such Prospectus/Proxy Statement, subject to the issuance of
such opinion by us.  We further consent to the references to our fairness
opinion letter and the analysis conducted by us and the use of our name in such
Proxy Statement/Prospectus in conjunction therewith.

PROFESSIONAL BANK SERVICES, INC.
Louisville, Kentucky
December 28, 1998

                                     Ex. 23(e)-1

                              JAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                 112 West Main Street
                                    P.O. Box 1089
                               Portland, Indiana  47371

                 PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints __________________ and _______________________,
and each of them, proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution
and re-substitution, to represent and vote all shares of common stock of Jay
Financial Corporation ("Jay Financial") which the undersigned would be entitled
to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Jay Financial to be held at
the main office of The First National Bank of Portland located at 112 West Main
Street, Portland, Indiana 47371, on ____________, ______________, 1999, at
_______ p.m. local time, and at any adjournment thereof, with all of the powers
the undersigned would possess if personally present, as set forth below.

The Board of Directors of Jay Financial recommends a vote FOR approval of the
Agreement of Reorganization and Merger dated August 20, 1998, by and between
First Merchants Corporation ("First Merchants") and Jay Financial pursuant to
which Jay Financial will merge with and into First Merchants, and The First
National Bank of Portland will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of First
Merchants.

     1.   Approval of the Agreement of Reorganization and Merger:

          ________ FOR        _______ AGAINST          ________ ABSTAIN

     2.   In their discretion, on such other matters as may properly be
          presented at the Special Meeting.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NOT OTHERWISE DIRECTED, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER.  ON
ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY BE PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF JAY FINANCIAL.

PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.

Dated: ______________, 1999

                              ------------------------------------------
                              (SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER)

                              ------------------------------------------
                              (SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER)

PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME APPEARS ON YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATE. JOINT OWNERS
SHOULD EACH SIGN PERSONALLY.  TRUSTEES AND OTHERS SIGNING IN A REPRESENTATIVE
CAPACITY SHOULD INDICATE THE CAPACITY IN WHICH THEY SIGN.

                                         
                                      Ex. 99-1