Two similar Thomas Gourley's

Question

I'm roadblocked with my paternal ancestor Thomas Gourley b. 1742 d.1803 in Pennsylvania.  According to my Grandfathers family history, he was a Capt in the Continental Army and was in Bi/urd's march to Pittsburgh in 1761.  He emigrated from 'England', but no idea from where or who.  Presbyterian, so likely Scotland via Ulster (with possible generation between the two).  I have a probated will, so I think the death and location are accurate.

There's another Capt. Thomas Gourley b.1752 d.1796 in S. Carolina that was also in the Continental Army, and emigrated from Belfast.  The ancestors in Belfast might be traceable.

Sort of a lot of parallels.  There's no way to tell if there's two people, if both assumed the muster rolls were referring to them, or if it's likely there would be two Captains of the same name in 1778.  Is that likely?

Comments

Are you able to look at extant military records via Ancestry or Fold3? I’m often surprised how many men of the same or very similar name can be found in those records.