The Alder surname has a few different proposed origins. Many believe that it came from the Old English "eald here" meaning "old army", or possibly "aethel here", noble army. Others offer a topological explanation, suggesting that families who lived among alder trees gave themselves the name when surnames began to gain popularity. Variations of the name can be traced back as far as the 11th century.
Samuel Alder 1776 - 1855 (approx.)
Samuel was born in Gloucestershire, England around 1776. In 1808, he married Triphena Morse, and the two went on to have ten children, all born and raised in Horsley, Gloucestershire, England. Samuel was a shearman and cloth worker. He passed away in 1855.
Samuel and Triphena's children:
Elizabeth Alder, b. 1808
Oliver Alder, b. 1809
Olivia Alder, b. 1809
Patience Alder, b. 1812
Martha Alder, b. 1814
Ann Alder, b. 1815
Mercy Alder, b. 1817*-1894
Deborah Alder, b. 1821
Fanny Alder, b. 1829
Susanna Alder, b. 1829
*Mercy's year of birth changes from source to source, some listing it as late as 1826, but her christening record is from 1817.
Sources:
Church of England Christenings
Church of England Burials
1841 & 1851 Census
Mercy Alder 1817 - 1894
Mercy was born around 1817 in Gloucestershire, England. In 1845, she wed William Harding, and the two had three children of their own, while also raising William's three children from a previous marriage. Mercy passed away in 1894.
For more information on Mercy and William's children, please visit the Harding page.