Jeremiah Colman and James Colman

The Colman's Story begins with Jeremiah Colman, the son of a farmer from Bawburgh, near Norwich. Jeremiah began a flour-milling business near Magdalen Gates in Norwich in 1804. Soon afterwards, he and his wife Ann (née Theobold), whom he married in 1802, adopted their four-year-old nephew James Colman. In 1814 Jeremiah purchased the flour- and mustard-making concern of Edward Ames at Stoke Holy Cross.

In 1823 young James was taken into the business partnership and the company of J. & J. Colman began.

In 1826 James married Mary Burlingham, daughter of John Burlingham, a Norfolk miller and seed merchant.

Jeremiah and James were both committed Baptists and liberals who campaigned for free trade, and civil and religious liberties. In 1841 Jeremiah moved to Norwich, leaving James in charge of the Stoke business. In 1845-6 Jeremiah served as sheriff of Norwich and became mayor the following year. These official roles would be continued by his descendants, including his adopted son James, James' son Jeremiah James, and Jeremiah James' daughter Ethel.