He was the first member of the family to immigrate to America, arriving four years before his father. "Jo. Palmerley" is listed as a 22-year-old passenger on the Elizabeth and Anne. Master Roger Coop/Cowper/Cooper was at the helm when it left the Port of London on April 13, 1635, and arrived at the Charlestown section of Boston late that spring or early summer. No other family members are listed on that roster. 

He was one of the original settlers of Guilford, his first home lot being a 1.5-acre parcel on the east side of Crooked Lane, the fourth lot north of Buck Lane. He took the oath of freeman in Guilford on Feb. 14, 1649/50, a little less than a year after his father did. He became the drummer of Guilford's train band, the colony's chief defense unit, and served as sexton for many years, "warning" settlers to meetings and church services by beating his drum. His name appears in Guilford's town records, being sued in 1648 by a fellow planter who complained that John's hogs had rooted through his corn, and for reporting to train band practice while intoxicated on Jan. 1, 1656/57.

 