A Sioux warrior, Sleepy Eyes came to Washington in the summer of 1824 as a member of the Sioux delegation led by the celebrated chief She-tah-wah-coe-wah-mene, or Little Crow. McKenney description of Little Crow is "cunning, artful, and treacherous; is not much distinguished as a warrior, but is very successful as a hunter, especially of beaver."

This Sioux was born on the Minnesota River near present Mankato, Brown County, Minnesota. He died in Roberts County, South Dakota, but his remains were removed to the Minnesota town that today bears his name. His Indian name is probably taken from ishta (eye) and hba (dreamy, sleepy, or drowsy).

Evidently Sleepy Eyes was a leading member of the tribe. His name can be found on the treaties of August 19, 1825, and July, 15, 1830, signed at Prairie du Chien, and St. Peters, of November 30, 1836. His name as well as his son's, also Sleepy Eyes, is found on the treaty of Traverse des Sioux, July 23, 1851. They were members of the Sisseton band of Sioux.