Robert Matthews (1788–c. 1841) 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, and Joshua the Jewish Minister. 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 suspected murder; consequently landing Matthews in jail. He is also remembered today for his brief encounter with Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Life Matthews was born in the farming village of Cambridge, in Washington County, New York, and was raised an Anti-Burgher Presbyterian. In 1795 both of his parents died, leaving him along with his four brothers and five sisters to the care of kin and neighbors. In 1806, Robert began learning carpentry and by 1808 had moved to Manhattan. After accusations of assault and battery on a female, possibly his sister-in-law, Robert returned to Cambridge and set up a successful business. During this time Matthews made occasional visits to New York City and met his wife Margaret, whom he married in 1813. Robert's business went bankrupt shortly thereafter and in 1825 he moved his family to Albany, where he again took up carpentry. It was during his time in Albany that Matthews received several visions naming him the descendent of the Apostle Matthias, and the receiver of the will of God, which he called "Truth." In 1830 he had a prophetic vision of a flood descending on Albany and fled the city fearing its destruction, abandoning his wife and four of his children after she refused to flee with him. Matthews took two of his sons in his escape and was wanted by Albany authorities for several weeks. He later returned his sons to Albany and went to New York City under the name Matthias, and visited Elijah Pierson a well known religious figure in Manhattan. Along with Pierson, Matthews succeeded in convincing wealthy merchants Sylvester Mills, and Benjamin Folger that he was the incarnation of God the Father and in exchange for "promised abundance in the kingdom of heaven" they funded his mission and signed over the deeds to two houses. A townhouse in Manhattan, and the Folgers residence in Sing Sing village. The Sing Sing estate, called Mount