This is one of the pages from the guardianship of Silas and Laura Barcus from Champaign County, Illinois, in the 1870s. This statement from the guardian dated 1877 indicates that Laura was also known as Ellen.
One never knows where these alternate names will appear.
And just as a note, in this case, the guardian of the children's estate was not their physical guardian. That is always something to keep in mind.