Robert Paterson (1717) was a Scottish academic who served as Principal of Marischal College from 1679 to 1717.
Life Paterson was born , in Foveran, to John Paterson (later Bishop of Ross) and Elizabeth Ramsay. His siblings included John Paterson later (Archbishop of Glasgow); George Paterson of Seafield (commissary); Sir William Paterson of Granton (barrister and clerk to the privy council); and a daughter, Isabella, who married Kenneth Mackenzie of Suddie.Gordon, Scots Affairs, Spalding, Memorials, and Diary of the Lairds of Brodie, all published by the Spalding Club; Guthrie, Memoirs
He was educated at Marischal College becoming a "regent" in 1657. In 1671, he started teaching the "Bajan class" at the college and in 1673 was appointed college librarian. In November 1678, he replaced James Leslie as principal of Marischal College.Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae; vol. 7; by Hew Scott He embarked on an ambitious refurbishment of the college buildings, and was a patron to the local arts.
He was dismissed as principal due to his Jacobite sympathies in 1717 and died shortly thereafter.
Arms His coat of arms were described as: "Argent, three pelicans in their piety proper; on a chief azure as many mullets of the field; a mitre azure for difference".
Family He married Agnes Carnegie daughter of David Carnegie of Craige, minister of Farnell. They had two sons and six daughters:
David Robert Elizabeth Margrat Agnes Mary Issobell Cathren
References