Neolin, whom the British called The Impostor, seemingly appeared out of nowhere. In 1762, he is recorded to have preached a new doctrine to his people, the Delaware (Lenni Lenape), who lived in what is now east-central Ohio.

The Prophet spoke against drunkenness, disorderliness, and polygamy. He said native tribes should stop warring among themselves. Claiming he had learned the true way directly from the Great Creator - he condemned traditional spirituality, believing it to be inspired by evil spirits. Most of all, Neolin advocated an uncompromising return to traditional ways of life. Only by shunning all trade goods, including European cloth, tools, alcohol, and weaponry, he said, would native people gain the strength to resist European expansion into their territory.

Neolin's fame increased rapidly. Native people came from near and far to hear his message. Ottawa war chief Pontiac was an early convert. Pontiac used Neolin's message to unite the tribes against the British under his own leadership.

By 1766 Pontiac's resistance against the British had collapsed. The doctrine's adherents dwindled. The Delaware Prophet disappeared from the stage at about the same time. What later became of him is not known.