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Note: From and article cut out by Neuma Chitwood after Sherburns' death:
The death of Sherburn S. Smith came as a shock to the people of this community. Mr. Smith died at the home of his brother, Harry J. Smith, 2520 Park Avenue, Kansas City, MO. The cause of his death was pneumonia. He is survivied by 4 brothers, Harry J. Smith, H.W. Smith, E. P. Smith and C. A. Smith and 3 sisters, Mrs. Ellis Lynn, Mrs. Chas. Belt, and Mrs. Chas. Scott, all of Kansas City.
Mr. Smith was born near Melvern, Kansas, Sept. 22, 1870, living there with his parents, Caleb S. Smith and Margaret Smith until 1882, at which time they moved to Bates County, MO. After 4 years, the family moved to Kansas City, MO., where Mr. Smith resided until 1918, when he pruchased a farm four miles south of Gardner, living there until Mar. 1, 1931, when he returned to Kansas City to live with his brother, Harry J. Smith.
Mr. Smith was, in the fullest sense, a good man. He was kind, helpful, honest and upright. He loved his fellow men and, as he gave, so he received. He loved the country and delighted in the great mystery of life as revealed in growing things. His philosophy of life was best exemplified in the following poem, "Abau Ben Adhem," written by Leigh Hunt, which was a favorite of Mr. Smith, and which he repeated the day before his death:
"Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
'And is mine one?' said Abou. 'Nay, not so,' replied the angel. Abou spoke nore low, But cheerily still; and said, 'I pray thee then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.' The Angel wrote, and vanished.
The next night It came again, with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest;
Anbd lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest." A gentle, kindly soul has passed on to fairer scenes. The people of this community, who came, who came to appreciate his worth, will miss him and mourn his departure.
Funeral services will be held today, Wednesday, March 25, at the Freeman chapel, 42nd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City and interment will be made at Forest Hill Cemetery.
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