[3] Located in the western part of the county, it borders the following townships: Part of the village of Fairview is located in southwestern Kirkwood Township.

The Egypt Valley Wildlife Area comprises a significant portion of the township.

Kirkwood Township was named for Robert Kirkwood, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

[6] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[7] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.