Shaun,
Peter Irish was granted the honorific UEL, United Empire Loyalist, in 1798, given to those who remained Loyal to the Crown during the American Revolution. He was a Quaker and opposed to taking up arms however he did assist the British during the war by hiding British soldiers, and giving them guidance through the woods to the British lines etc.
Those who remained Loyal to the British Crown and who were forced to flee to the British Colonies in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canadas during and after the War of Independence (or American Revolution) were rewarded with a grant of land and the honorific UEL. When their children came of age, or, in the case of daughters, came of age or were married, were also entitled to receive a grant of land.
Since my first post I have received confirmation of Peter Irish's Will from an archives I have been corresponding with.
He does not mention Ranseller or Mahlon as his children. Peter died about 1813. His wife Mary died before he wrote his Will in 1810.
And yet, in 1834 Ranseller Irish and Mahlon Irish consecutively petitioned for land as sons of Peter Irish UEL. They were sworn as sons of Peter Irish and also swore allegiance to the Crown. But I have found no trace of Ranseller or Mahlon found after their land grant in 1834.
That is why I am asking if anyone has information on Ranseller or Mahlon. Otherwise I have to conclude that their Petitions as sons of Peter Irish were fraudulent.
Venelow
Canada