Berdan – Died, May 30, of paralysis, Mrs. Jane P. Berdan at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Berdan Tiffany, 812 South Fifth street. Mrs. Berdan was born in Richmond, Ky., March 9, 1818, her maiden name being Jane P. Simms. When she was 10 years of age, her father’s family removed to Jacksonville, and that city continued to be her home until, three years ago, she came with her daughter’s family to this city. Mrs. Berdan was married to Judge James Berdan in 1848. Judge Berdan was one of the most eminent jurists in the Central part of the State, and was always one of Jacksonville’s most public spirited and high-minded citizens. He was a warm friend of Lincoln, Douglas and Yates. He died in August 1884. Mrs. Berdan had been for almost a year a great sufferer, part of that time entirely helpless. From her youth she had been a faithful and consistent member of Trinity Episcopal church in Jacksonville. She leaves to mourn her loss her daughter and son-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. L. C. Tiffany and two dear little granddaughters, Mamie and Margaret, who were the joy and delight of her declining years. She also leaves two brothers, one in California and on in South Dakota; also many distant relatives. A brief but beautiful service conducted by Rev. R. W. Clampett was held at the home last evening, which was attended by a large number of sympathizing neighbors and friends. This morning at 6 o’clock the body will be taken to Jacksonville, where the funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. in the church she loved so well, and will be laid to rest in beautiful Diamond Grove Cemetery beside her husband. The family will be accompanied to Jacksonville by Mrs. J. T. Jones, Mrs. Dr. L. M. Glover and Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Mitchell.

Sunday, May 31, 1891, Daily Illinois State Journal, (Springfield, Illinois) page 4

Thanks Arnold Corkins for the obit.
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Jane P. Simms wed James Berdan on 27 June 1848 in Morgan County, IL.
Source: Illinois, Compiled Marriages, 1791-1850