He was a pioneer of Reno County and planted a variety of fruit trees that became Rivers Banks Plantation.  He was born January 9, 1833 in Kentucky, the son of George David Banks and Sarah Jane Penrod.  Rivers married Martha J Hall January 8, 1868 in Shattuck Oklahoma.  They came to Kansas in 1874.  Rivers was involved in the mining industry and built a large orchard in Reno County.

 A local park bears his name, Rivers Banks Orchard Park located at 2911 East 43rd.