E.R. VAN GORDEN, Hornellsville, New York.
E.R. Van Gorden was born in Wayne, Steuben County, New York, on December 1, 1855. His father kept a hotel for over twenty-five years and the young man assisted in running the hotel until 1880, when he secured a position as fireman on the Susquehanna Division of the Erie. He was promoted to engineer in 1887, and has advanced until now he has a regular run on the fast freights 84 and 81, in the management of which he has pleased the officials for the several years he has had this run. He has been exceedingly fortunate, having no accidents to mar his record, and consequently stands well with his superiors.

He was married to Miss Nettie H. Larison of Horseheads, New York, and having no children they have more time to devote to social affairs, both being prominent in Hornellsville society. Mr. Van Gorden is a member of the B. of L.F., and also Lamoka Lodge No. 463, F. & A.M., of Schuyler County.

Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.

From the September 16, 1887 issue of the Hornellsville Weekly Tribune:
Along the Susquehanna:
More fireman are being promoted to engineers this season than was ever known to be before during the summer months. Promotion usually comes in the winter, but this year has been an exception in his respect as promotions have occurred in nearly every month. The last men to receive this honor are P.R. (E.R.-ed.) Van Gorden, Volney Teets, John Lannon, A. Jordan, W. McGill and J. Elston.