In a remarkable legal case emerging from Utah, a prominent grocery store founder has initiated legal proceedings against her polygamist husband after nearly five decades of marriage, alleging systematic neglect and broken financial promises.
The Foundation of a Polygamist Marriage
Shirlyn Watson, who established the successful Shirlyn's Natural Foods chain in 1989, has filed suit against David Watson, her husband of 47 years, and her sister wives. The couple married in 1973 through the Apostolic United Brethren church, which David would later lead as a prominent polygamist prophet in their community.
Despite being raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shirlyn joined the Apostolic United Brethren before her marriage to David. This religious group represents a Mormon fundamentalist sect that actively practises polygamy as part of its doctrine.
Over their 47-year union, Shirlyn and David welcomed eleven children together. David maintained at least five wives simultaneously, though Shirlyn notes he was legally married to only one of them.
Financial Contributions and Broken Promises
Shirlyn's professional accomplishments extended beyond motherhood. She founded her natural foods grocery chain in 1989 and previously worked as a secretary for David's auto repair business for five years. According to legal documents obtained by local media, by the year 2000, all of Shirlyn's earnings were being directed to David, the family home, or their children.
In 2016, the family arrangement saw Shirlyn, David, and three sister wives relocate to Manti, Utah, where they occupied separate houses on the same property. Shirlyn claims David promised all wives equal interest in this property through a family trust arrangement.
"He promised that he was going to put us on a family trust and that we'd all be taken care of," Shirlyn recounted to reporters. This assurance allegedly formed the basis of her continued financial contributions to the family, including a substantial $36,000 investment into their home.
The Breakdown and Legal Battle
The marriage began deteriorating significantly in 2019 when David started neglecting Shirlyn in favour of other wives. "He started to lose me years ago," she revealed. "If something came up with 'the favourite wife' he would go take care of her first."
The situation escalated in February 2020 when David allegedly began neglecting their late son Robert, who had Down syndrome. Court documents claim David abandoned Shirlyn with their disabled son while spending time with two other wives.
Matters reached a critical point in 2021 when David demanded all wives pay $260 monthly to continue living on the property. Shirlyn refused, citing her previous financial investments as establishing her ownership interest.
The final breach occurred in October 2023 after Robert's passing. When Shirlyn travelled to California for her son's celebration of life, David allegedly locked her out of her Utah home. Although he eventually relented after intervention from their children, he reportedly kept her name off the property agreement that would have entitled her to a percentage share.
David's legal team has countered these allegations, asserting his 100% ownership of the property and denying any promises were made regarding interest in the estate. Property records indicate Shirlyn is listed merely as a "resident," while David and at least one other wife hold ownership status.
Furthermore, David's representatives deny any "solemnized marriage" or legal union between him and Shirlyn, despite their 47-year relationship and eleven children together.
Undeterred, Shirlyn remains committed to her legal battle. "Somebody needs to take a stand," she declared. "I'm prepared to take that stand. I'm willing to fight him." The case continues to unfold, highlighting complex issues surrounding polygamous relationships and property rights within religious communities.
