Abstract John D. Pierce was an important figure in the early history of Michigan State Normal College and education in Michigan in general. He served as the first Superintendent of Public Education from 1836 to 1882, and gave the dedicatory address at the completion of the first building on the MSNC campus. The John D. Pierce papers include the following materials: Pierce's personal copy of the Holy Bible, along with clippings which were removed from the inside cover;...