[3] It is named for Thomas Hart Benton, one of the inaugural pair of U.S. senators from Missouri.

[4] Benton Township covers an area of 80.26 square miles (207.9 km2) and contains one incorporated settlement, Kirksville (the county seat).

It is home to twelve cemeteries: Bear Creek, Cater, Collett, Forest-Llewellyn, Highland Park, Maple Hills, Oak Grove, Ownbey, Park View Memorial Gardens, Prough, Sloans Point and Waddill.

Primary and secondary education is provided by Kirksville R-3 School District for the majority of Benton Township residents.

However, a number in the western area attend Adair County R-1 in Novinger.