From the December, 1906 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine (Port Jervis News):
Friday morning, Nov. 16 (1906) while attempting to board his engine near Germantown bridge, Switchman John J. Burns slipped and went under the wheels. He was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital for treatment where he died a few hours later. Mr. Burns was 18 years of age and had been born and brought up in this city. He was a young man of excellent habits and his genial disposition won him friends whereever he went. He had been in the service of the company in different capacities for some time, but had been in the switching service for only about a year. He is a son of Engineer John E. Burns.

From the December, 1921 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
The death of John S. Burns is learned from the Port Jervis Union. The notice stated that he was an Erie engineer and a respected resident of that city. He died at his home of apoplexy. In early life he entered the employ of the Erie Railroad as fireman, becoming engineer shortly after, holding that position until he died. He ran between Port Jervis and Maybrook.