Robert Matthews (religious figure)

The Kingdom, also known as Mount Zion, eventually became involved in adultery, bankruptcy, and suspected murder; consequently landing Matthews in jail.

After accusations of assault and battery on a female (possibly his sister-in-law), Robert returned to Cambridge and set up a successful business.

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.

[2] Along with Pierson, Matthews succeeded in convincing wealthy merchants Sylvester Mills and Benjamin Folger that he was the incarnation of God the Father.

Matthews ruled as the absolute patriarch over the estate, where he designated chores and tasks for the residents of his kingdom to complete.

While at Mount Zion, Matthews controversially married himself to Anne Folger, citing Divine Will as justification for his adulterous affair with her.

Upon discovering that Isabella and Benjamin were engaged in an affair, Matthews whipped her severely, but then joined them in marriage, approving the union.

False rumors circulated that Matthews had joined the Mormons, but in fact his meeting with Smith ended with the two prophets denouncing each other as Satanic.