A Utah woman who founded a natural foods grocery chain is suing her polygamist husband, alleging he neglected her during their 47-year marriage and is denying her a rightful share of their property. Shirlyn Watson, founder of Shirlyn's Natural Foods, filed a lawsuit against David Watson, a leader in the Apostolic United Brethren church, and her sister wives, local outlet ABC 4 reported.
Shirlyn married David in 1973 through the Apostolic United Brethren, a Mormon fundamentalist group that practises polygamy. The couple had 11 children together. David had at least five wives, though he was legally married to only one, according to the report. Shirlyn said polygamy worked for her, but alleged that David began neglecting her in 2019, prioritising other wives.
In 1989, Shirlyn founded Shirlyn's Natural Foods. She also worked as a secretary for David's auto repair business. By 2000, all her earnings were going to David, the family home or their children, the lawsuit claims. In 2016, the family moved to Manti, Utah, living in separate houses on the same property. Shirlyn alleges David promised equal interest in the property, but she was left off the ownership agreement.
Shirlyn claims she invested $36,000 into the home. In 2021, David allegedly demanded wives pay $260 monthly rent; Shirlyn refused, citing her investment. After their son Robert, who had Down syndrome, died in October 2023, Shirlyn travelled to California for his celebration of life. Upon return, she says David locked her out of the home. Her children intervened, but David kept her name off a property agreement.
David's legal team argues he has 100% ownership of the property and denies promising any interest to his wives. Records show Shirlyn listed as a resident, while David and at least one other wife are owners. David also denies a legal marriage to Shirlyn. He told The Independent: “No comment. All lies.” Shirlyn said: “Somebody needs to take a stand. I’m prepared to take that stand. I’m willing to fight him.”
