Castleman, Philip

From Lane Co Oregon

Philip Castleman (1828-1913) was almost certainly Eugene’s first photographer. He started out cutting wood for Eugene builders in 1851. Two years later he went back east and purchased a daguerreotype outfit, which he brought back to Eugene. Castleman’s photos were probably used to create the earliest lithographs of what was called Eugene City in 1859. The following year he took on a young house painter, J.A. Winter, as a partner, and they advertised “photographic and painting business in all its various branches.” They guaranteed satisfaction, “with all the latest improvements,” and said they would “take all kinds of produce in exchange for our work.” Castleman’s wife, Iantha, and daughter, Mary, are also buried in the Masonic Cemetery.