Good Morning, As a matter of information I just downloaded the 1790 Census for Guilford Co., NC last night. My ancestors, all of whom signed their respective surnames "McLean" were listed as "McClain." I have found various and similar errors both common and often. I have found the name as McLane, McClean, and even M'Lane. I continue to caution that we in the western world have been literate for about 150 years. However, literacy has given way to a vice of literalism in the last 50 to 75 years. I continue to hear people say "My family has always spelled.......," when speaking of eight generations. The truth is that the first two or three generations probably couldn't spell at all. I am descended from Joseph McLean of Guilford Co., NC. He was born in Philadelphia Co., PA, 13 Sep 1752, d. Guilford Co., NC, 22 Dec 1832. He married Mary Margaret Mebane, probably in Guilford Co. If you think you may have a connection feel free to contact me. Regards, Dick Hudson