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The Knights of Father Matthew was 19th Century Catholic temperance society that originated in Ireland and promoted complete abstinence from intoxicating liquors.
It was founded in Cork in 1838 by Theobald Matthew, a Capuchin Father - generally known as Father Matthew. The organization spread throughout Ireland, though it was badly disrupted by the Irish potato famine of 1846 to 1849. Father Matthew also travelled in England and Scotland (1842) and in the USA (1849 to 1851) to preach temperance. It is estimated that 7,000,000 took the pledge of abstinence under his influence.
Some members were buried with KFM or K. of F. M. - Knights of Father Matthew - or LAKFM - Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Father Matthew - on their tombstones.
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