The Rivarola family was important in Paraguayan politics throughout the 19th century, and often found itself at odds with the Francia and López governments.

[1] During most of the War of the Triple Alliance, Rivarola served in the Paraguayan Army, reaching the rank of Sergeant.

In 1869, however, amidst a wave of repression led by then president Francisco Solano López, he was arrested due to reasons unknown.

[4] Rivarola then presided over Paraguay's settlement with the alliance, the return to peace, and the harsh first years of the 1870s.

In 1878, while on his way to a meeting with President Cándido Bareiro, after he had been given a pardon, Rivarola was assassinated, stabbed to death by masked individuals in broad daylight.