He was notable for his weight; he weighed under 9 stone - and is the lightest person to have played rugby union for Scotland.
[5] It is said that his lack of weight hindered his international selection.
He married Louisa Augusta Stewart of Mount Carmel in Jamaica; and they had a daughter Louisa Angela Stewart Paterson who was born in Falmouth in Jamaica.
His wife Louisa Augusta Stewart died in 1890; and Paterson moved to the United States.
Paterson died in March 1934 and is buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey.