This collection consists of 48 deeds (1801-1907), legal documents and notes related to land ownership in Pitt County, North Carolina, in the area that became Ayden. The documents pertain mainly to the Harris, McGlohon/McLawhorn, and Cannon families, especially William Henry Harris, the founder of Ayden. Also included are a blueprint plat of Ayden (June 21, 1890) and copies of 2 clippings (1991-1992) about the founding of Ayden. Additional items which have been placed in the East Carolina University Archives are a 1915 yearbook for East Carolina Teachers Training School (now ECU), a 1915 folded card for the Junior-Senior Reception at ECTTS, and a calling card all belonging to ECTTS student Katherine (Kate or Katie) Eugenia Sawyer. This collection is donated by the family of John William Sawyer.