Richard Roman (1811 – December 22, 1875) was a politician. Born in Fayette County, Kentucky, after leaving medical school he saw military service in the Black Hawk War in Illinois and later in the Texas Revolution, distinguishing himself at the Battle of San Jacinto. He was a member of the Texas Republic House of Representatives for two terms. He became mayor of Victoria, Texas, in 1844 and in the same year joined the Texas Republic Senate for two years. He went to California during the California Gold Rush of 1849 and would become the first California State Treasurer, 1849–54.[1]
Major Richard Roman, instead of having been the first State Controller— as your correspondent states— was the first Treasurer of State John S. Houston being the first Controller. By the way, Major Roman, whose home is with his kinsman Judge William T. Wallace.