[1] His father was a member of the United Presbyterian Church Of North America African Mission.

Watson grew up in Egypt and returned to the United States in 1889 to continue his education at Lawrenceville and then Princeton.

He met his wife Maria Elizabeth Powell while attending Ohio State University.

[6] Watson also was an avid fundraiser and adapted his techniques to target wealthy families who may have an interest in seeing the AUC succeed.

By simultaneously creating less of a Christian focus and enhancing his fund-raising techniques, Watson was able to ensure that the university remained prominent despite the tough economic times of the 1930s.