SUPT. A.C. ELSTON.
The second of the Erie's Division Superintendents to appear in the series is Mr. Alva C. Elston, who presides over the destinies of the Buffalo and Buffalo and Southwestern Divisions and the Union Steamboat Line, operating on Lake Erie, with headquarters at Buffalo.

Though a young man in years, yet Mr. Elston rates as second senior among the Erie's superintendents, this being due to changes that have occurred from time to time and promotions incident thereto.

Mr. Elston first displayed his genius as an operating official when he became superintendent of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad Division -- a single-track line that fairly buzzes with coal trains, not to mention a tremendous passenger traffic within the commuting district. Having been raised on the N.Y.S. & W., Mr. Elston found himself perfectly at home and ran his road in such a satisfactory way that he was in August, 1903, asked to take charge of the great New York Division, the busiest section of the Erie Railroad and a division that calls for everlasting vigilance, unremitting effort, and unerring judgment.

The fact that Mr. Elston ran this division for nearly six years, testifies to his ability. When he was transferred to the Buffalo Division there was sorrow in the New York Division camp. The boys, who had been associated with him so long, grew to know him and there was a fondness between them that was deep and sincere. Mr. Elston always administered the "square deal," and he was found to be the most approachable of men. Absolutely unassuming in manner, genial and kind in disposition, and a good friend of the deserving, Mr. Elston is surrounded at Buffalo by a host of friends, who are showing him the same loyalty that he received at Jersey City.

This is his record: Born November 18th, 1867, at Unionville, Orange County, New York. Educated in the public schools of that village. Began railroad work in 1880, as student helper of the New York, Susquehanna & Western. From 1881 to 1884, agent at various places. Went to Superintendent's office at Jersey City, as operator, in 1884, and remained there as operator, dispatcher and Chief Dispatcher, until 1902; February, 1902 to December, 1903, Division Operator, Erie R.R., Jersey City. December, 1903, to August, 1904, Superintendent, New York, Susquehanna & Western. August, 1904 to June, 1910, Superintendent, New York Division and Branches, Jersey City. June, 1910, appointed Superintendent, Buffalo Division and Branches; also Manager of the Union Steamboat Line, Buffalo.

From the October, 1927 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Effective Sept. 1, 1927, Alva C. Elston was promoted from assistant to the resident vice-president, New York district, Erie Railroad, to division superintendent, to succeed John M. Condon, who became general manager of the New York district.

Superintendent Elston's service with the Erie Railroad runs back to June, 1880, when he became operator and agent and served for eight years. Then for eleven years he was a train dispatcher; for four years chief train dispatcher, and for a number of months division operator.

From December, 1903, to August, 1904, he was superintendent of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad; from August, 1904, to June, 1910, superintendent of the New York division and branches; from June, 1910, to January, 1913, superintendent of the Buffalo division; from January, 1913, to January, 1914, general agent at Chicago; from January, 1914, to November, 1916, superintendent of the New York division and branches; from November, 1916, to June, 1921, general superintendent of the New York, Susquehanna & Western; from June, 1921, to Aug. 15, 1921, special agent; from Aug. 15, 1921, to Feb. 15, 1927, superintendent of transportation; from Feb. 15, 1927, to Sept. 1, 1927, assistant to the resident vice-president. Superintendent Elston was born Nov. 18, 1867. He was educated at the public schools. He is married.