From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1349-1350
 
JOHN P. RIVERS.  Those who belong to the respectable middle classes of 
society, being early taught the necessity of relying upon their own exertions, 
will be more part to acquire that information and those business habits which 
alone can fit them for the discharge of life's duties, and indeed it has long 
been a noticeable fact that our great men in nearly all walks of life in 
America spring from this class.  The subject of this sketch, whose life 
history we herewith delineate, is a worthy representative of this class from 
which the true noblemen of the republic spring; but he has made no effort to 
be a leader of men, contented to lead an honest, industrious and conservative 
life, desiring no other title than that of a good citizen.
 
John P. RIVERS is the genial, obliging and popular proprietor of "Riverdale," 
one of the leading summer resorts on famous Delavan lake, Walworth county, 
which is annually visited by hundreds of patrons from almost all parts of the 
Union, who find it such a delightful place that they invariably avail 
themselves of every opportunity to return again.
 
Riverdale hotel is a modern, substantial, neat and attractively located 
hostelry, consisting of sixteen rooms, modernly equipped and tastefully 
arranged, and in connection with this Mr. RIVERS has three beautiful 
cottages.  This popular hotel is now entering upon its ninth season, each year 
having rendered this ideal resort more popular, being situated on one of the 
most charming spots on Delavan lake, commanding a view of its entire length 
and a view that is excelled by no panorama on this lake or in this section of 
the state.  It is situated near the west end of the lake on the south shore.
 
Mr. RIVERS is also the owner of a fertile and valuable farm of sixty acres in 
section 31, which he has placed under excellent improvements and cultivation, 
and which is one of the desirable places in Delavan township.  It extends 
along the south end of the lake.
 
On December 9, 1896, Mr. RIVERS was united in marriage with Inda M. UNDERHILL, 
who, like himself, represents an excellent family.
 
Submitted by Carol