Neapope was born in 1800 in what is now western Illinois. He was the son of the civil chief of the Sauk Nation. When his father died, he inherited his father's title of chief -- as was Sauk tradition. However, the U.S. government ignored Neapope and officially recognized the more easily managed Keokuk as sole chief of the Sauk and Mesquakie.

When disagreement erupted within the tribe over abandoning Saukenak (Rock Island, Illinois) to the Americans, Neapope sided with the Black Hawk faction against the Keokuk faction. Black Hawk stood for active resistance against the U.S.

In the winter of 1831-32, Neapope travelled to Amherstburg, Upper Canada, to meet with British officials. Upon his return, he told Black Hawk that the British had promised to send guns and ammunition to help the natives fight against the Americans. British assistance never came.

During the Battle of Wisconsin Heights, Neapope slipped away and sought refuge with the Winnebago people. They turned him over to American authorities. He was held as a prisoner of war together with Black Hawk during most of 1833. The Americans then released the chiefs into Keokuk's custody. No one knows for certain when or how Neapope died.