Gillis Brothers. Founded in 1917, the garage business of Gillis Brothers has steadily grown and developed until it is now the leading establishment of its kind at Troy. Arthur and Alva Gillis, the progressive and energetic proprietors of this enterprise, were born in Warren county, Ohio, sons of W. M. and Jennie (Stracker) Gillis. Their father, who was a liveryman, conducted a livery stable and sales stables at the intersecting lines of Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties, Ohio, for a number of years, but eventually moved to Troy, where he opened a livery barn and at the same time carried on operations of an agricultural character. Arthur and Alva Gillis received their educations in the public school, and as youths assisted their father in his livery business. With the rapidly-growing popularity of the automobile, the livery business began to decline, and the brothers, sensing the trend of affairs, decided to cast their fortunes with the new development in transportation. April 1, 1917, they threw open to the public their present garage, the largest at Troy, which possesses vast storage space, usually taxed to its capacity. They likewise conduct a repair department and handle accessories and have built up a business that is a credit to their ability and to the city. The brothers are sterling business men of proved integrity, and as citizens have fully discharged their responsibilities in normal times and times of war. Arthur Gillis married Ollie Bays and they have three children: Frances, Almeda and William. Mrs. Alva Gillis was formerly Miss Marie Guenther.