From the February, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
50 YEARS WITH THE ERIE.
The subject of this sketch is Edwin Birley, Passenger Conductor on the New Jersey & New York Railroad (New York Division). He has been on that system for nearly 50 years or to be more exact, 50 years about May 15, next.

He is known affectionately by the boys as "Ed" and is among the most affable men in the service, and, while a man of quiet manner, still is a great favorite with the commuters, all of whom he knows intimately. Among the souvenirs of the rail that he prizes most highly, is a gold plated ticket punch, presented him by the commuters as a token of their personal esteem; also that he could, with more dignity, destroy the little billets that enable them to ride with him.

On the sleeve of his uniform coat he wears 9 service stripes, indicating that he has served the Company 45 years; if he remained after his fiftieth year, then he would be entitled to 10 stripes, a stripe being added at the conclusion of each 5 years.

It is hoped by the officers of the Erie Railroad and the employes, generally, that, when his time comes for retirement, he will be spared for many years to enjoy the rest and comfort to which all men like him are entitled, who have useful and upright lives.

Following is his record:
Born in New Brunswick, N.J., July 1, 1844. At the age of four years his parents moved to Hackensack, N.J., where he attended the Old Brick Academy, under the tuition of Jacob Van Buskirk, principal. At the age of sixteen he took up the tinsmith business.

Entered railroad service about May 15, 1864, as brakeman under James C. Blauvelt, Conductor, and later served as baggage-master and freight conductor. At that time the New Jersey & New York Railroad was known as the Hackensack Railroad and only extended from Erie Junction to Passaic Street, Hackensack, about five and one-half miles. It consisted of two small engines known as "Grass-hoppers" and one large engine, which burned wood, and which ran on Mondays and Saturdays, only. Later, when the road was extended to Hillsdale, N.J. the inhabitants used the coaches, in which to conduct Sunday school and Church services. Conductor Birley moved to Haverstraw, NY in the year of the blizzard. During his 50 years of railroad service he has never been censured for a careless act, or breach of the rules.