From the February, 1913 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
ENGINEER PHILIP T. NIXON.
Among the most recent engineers that have been admitted into the "Order of the Red Spot" is Philip T. Nixon, affectionately addressed as "Phil" by the boys. Phil is one of the best engineers on the New York, Susquehanna & Western Division, in all that goes to make a capable man on an engine. Not only that, but those who know him will agree that he is as well thought of a man as the Company employs, and extremely popular with his fellow runners. The passengers that travel on his trains, either know him personally, or by sight, and they know they are safe when riding behind him.

He became a member of the "Order of the Red Spot" because he earned the distinction, and it looks as though his name were going to remain on the cab of engine 23 for many moons to come.

Following is his record:

Born in Warren County, New Jersey, October 1st, 1848, and started work on the Morris & Essex R.R. when the company was extending the railroad from Hackettstown to Phillipsburg, N.J., during 1866.

He was a fireman for about 2 1/2 years and ran an engine about four years, coming to the NYS&W Railroad on October 1st. In 1873 he became an engineer when it was known as the New York, Oswego Midland R.R., and ran from Jersey City as a mixed freight engineer.

From January 1st, 1874, he ran from Butler as a passenger engineer, until the year 1883, when he was appointed engine dispatcher at West End, N.J., and served in that position for one year and a half, when he returned to the passenger service, where he is still running.

The accompanying photograph shows Mr. Nixon while at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers' Convention in Los Angeles, Cal., during the year 1904, the other photo is a picture of Red Spot engine No. 23, NYS&W, of which he is very proud.

Mr. Nixon is a resident of North Paterson, N.J., and is well known among the residents of that place, who have placed so much confidence in him that they nominated him for the position of Freeholder of Passaic County during 1911.

From the February, 1913 issue of Erie Magazine:
Philip Nixon was in charge of engine 23, on the NYS&W Division, when four bolts holding the equalizer fulcrum stand to the frame, broke, letting the fulcrum stand out of place. Despite this handicap, Nixon brought his train to Jersey City on time. A credit mark has been added to his record.