In spite of Sheldon's immense popularity 100 years ago, many people today have never heard of him. Even in Topeka, Sheldon's memory has faded significantly, although it continues to be embraced strongly at Central Congregational Church. He was fabulously famous, but you ask the average Kansan and they won't know his name. If you ask the average Topekan, a few might know. One hundred years from now, it'll be the same for Menninger or Dole.
Fame is transitory.
When Miller was growing up in the 1950s and '60s, active in a Wichita Congregational church, Sheldon was a familiar subject. During state youth meetings, he would hear about Sheldon from talking with kids from Topeka's Central church. Over the years, it has been printed by a score of publishing houses, with neither Sheldon nor his descendants receiving any royalties. Because Sheldon wasn't motivated by wealth or fame, and actually shunned publicity, the lack of royalties was of no real concern. His focus was on the message of taking the Christian faith and making it relevant in the world.