I cannot create an iCloud account. I go through the simple steps but the request is rejected with a message about incoming mail settings incorrect
iPad 2, iOS 9
Welcome to the Apple community.
I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say you cannot create an iCloud account. You create an Apple ID, which you then use to sign into iCloud.
It sounds as though you are struggling setting up mail, can you please tell us exactly how you are trying to do this, since usually you do not have to bother with incoming mail settings.