Robert Matthews.

About Robert Matthews

Robert Matthews was an American carpenter, businessman, and religious figure who gathered a cult-like following in 1830s New York. His aliases included Robert Matthias, Jesus Matthias, Matthias the Prophet, The Prophet Matthias, and Joshua the Jewish Minister. Newspapers on the other-hand often called him by names such as "Matthews the Imposter." Matthews successfully converted three wealthy businessmen who helped fund the founding of a settlement he called The Kingdom, in Sing Sing village, New York. The Kingdom, also known as Mount Zion, eventually became involved in adultery, bankruptcy, and the suspected murder of Elijah Pierson; consequently landing Matthews in jail. He is also remembered for his brief encounter with Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement.