This covered bridge was name after an Adams County pioneer. Thomas Kirker was born in Ireland in 1760. He immigrated with his family to Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the age of 19. In 1793, he moved to Ohio and settled in Adams County, where he lived out the rest of his life. Kirker was a leader in his community. In 1802, He represented Adams County at Ohio's first Constitutional Convention. He was also the acting Governor of Ohio from 1807-1808.