[4] John's parents frequently offered their home as a place of rest to traveling missionaries, and their house even became known as "The Priest's Hotel".

Simon and Jude Parish in Blairsville, Watterson was sent to St. Vincent's College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, at a young age,[3] being in formation as a Benedictine monk for a time.

[5] In 1861, he entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary at Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors.

[6] During his 19-year-long tenure, Watterson increased the number of priests and schools in the diocese, founded two hospitals and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, and erected many new missions and parishes.

[3] A strong proponent of temperance, he prohibited saloon owners from holding office in any Catholic organization in the diocese, and made all the children to whom he administered confirmation promise not to drink until they were 21.