Jacques Telesphore Roman

Jacques Telesphore Roman (March 22, 1800 – April 11, 1848) was a 19th-century Louisiana businessman, sugar planter, and builder of the Oak Alley Plantation.

As the Roman family achieved greater prominence as leaders in society, their activities alternated between their sugar plantations in St. James Parish and elegant dwellings in New Orleans.

Among the latter was the house now known as Madame John's Legacy on Rue Dumaine – which was purchased by Jacques Etienne's widow for herself and her bachelor sons shortly after her husband's death.

In keeping with the standards of the elite of that period, Jacques and Celina plunged with enthusiasm into the building of their own mansion on their newly acquired plantation.

His valiant efforts to preserve the position and holdings of the family failed — against the overwhelming economic and political turmoil resulting from the Civil War and Reconstruction.