Joseph Truman the elder inherited the Lolsworth Field brewery, William Bucknall's Brewhouse, in 1694, and took his son into partnership in 1716 before dying in 1719.

Truman was knighted by George III on his accession in 1760 in recognition of his loyalty in contributing to the voluntary loans raised to carry on the various foreign wars.

[1] His portrait was painted by George Romney and Thomas Gainsborough (c. 1773-1774); the latter has been part of the Tate Gallery collection since 1978.

[3] Truman died on 20 March 1780, and left a daughter, his only child, whose two grandsons (Sir Benjamin's great-grandchildren), John Freeman Villebois and Henry Villebois, succeeded to his interest in the business.

[1] Truman was buried in the churchyard of St Mary's, Hertingfordbury, Hertfordshire.