Fevered deaths: Susan and Thomas Stocking

My four-times great-grandmother Susan STOCKING, nee BROWN, died in December 1851 in Southwark. Her death certificate shows that she died at home, 1 Castle Street, Southwark, on 18th November 1851 (a date on which my own father would be born 79 years later). She was only 48 years old at the time of her death, which was registered by her daughter-in-law, Mary Ann STOCKING, wife of my three-times great-grandfather James. She made her mark. The cause of Susan's death is recorded as 'Fever, 3 weeks certified', and her 'occupation' is given as 'Wife of Thomas STOCKING, Mat Maker'. 

Her widower remarried sometime between 1851 and 1861, as he is shown as married to Hannah by the 1861 census (still living with his youngest son William). Hannah was an irishwoman from Cork, although I have so far not found a record of their marriage. They are living at 124 Kent Road/St Anne's Place by the time of the 1861 census. Thomas did not outlive Susan(nah) long, dying on 8th December 1864 aged 55 years. His address is recorded as St Ann's Place, his occupation 'Mat Maker', and his cause of death 'Fever 14 days certified'. His wife Hannah made her mark to register his death.

Of course, there is a possibility that this is not the same Thomas STOCKING, there being a disparity in age, but this may be due to his declaring a younger age to his second wife (or her confusion at the time of registration).

In any case, December fevers appear to have struck down both Susan and Thomas fairly early in their lives.