FOUNDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
Venerable Michael J. McGivney
"Life of Michael J McGivney"
Feb. 8, 1886 Dear Friend Will be down in N. Haven Thursday. Will bring all letters & will try to give you all information I can regarding K of C. Regards to all,
THE COLUMBIAD, June 1900
First paper published of the interest of the Knights.
"The Personality of Father McGivney",
by Rev. Joseph Gordian Daley
Note from Father McGivney:
Father McGivney's note to William M. Geary, an incorporator of the Knights of Columbus reads:
M. J. McGivney
Rare Photo of Father McGivney's Brother
Rev. Patrick J McGivney
Here is a link to the online version of
"The Knights of Columbus In Peace and War"
written in 1920 at the start of World War I.
http://www.archive.org/stream/knightsofcolumbu01egan#page/n7/mode/2up
Link to download the entire 2 volume book which is 27MB's and may take some time:
http://www.archive.org/download/knightsofcolumbu01egan/knightsofcolumbu01egan.pdf
Chapter 3, which starts on page 45 is titled "Origin of the Order" is very interesting since it covers some fascinating and little known
history about Father McGivney and the start of the KofC.
Unfortunately, page 50 is missing but it is still work reading.
http://www.archive.org/stream/knightsofcolumbu01egan#page/44/mode/2up
Join the Michael J McGivney Guild God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (make request here). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.) 
The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild distributes informational materials about him, receives reports of favors granted through his intercession and oversees the distribution of relics. Guild members receive regular updates on the progress of Father McGivney's cause for canonization and are invited to participate in promoting devotion to this Servant of God. Members of the Knights of Columbus are not automatically Guild members and must elect to join the Guild.
Prayer for the Canonization of
Father Michael J. McGivney