T.B.J. Hill moved from their plantation across the river from present-day Smithville for the education of their sons T.A.W. and Cap Hill. They lived on Main Street, corner directly across-north of what was later O. Elzner Store. A one story house, long ell toward the east. (The northeastern corner of the intersection of Main and Spring Streets.) Mrs. Hill liked young people around her and took in some of the students.

(He and Wiley, Josiah Whipple, were on the Board of the Bastrop Academy which was sponsored by the Methodist Church. Augustus attended this school. It was later was transformed to the Bastrop Military Institute.