The Virtue of Vices – By Jeremy McShurley

Like her sister cities throughout Middle America, White River City has seen better days. The once great factory chimneys sit blighted and dormant. While across the river, the Princemoore family’s influence continues to thrive as the tendrils of corruption grow. Yet somehow, White River City lumbers forward, its citizens’ lives tangled up in a tapestry of reality; woven by the threads of Fate, and sewn by the needles of their unconscious passions. This novel is presented alphabetically. You may read the chapters in any order. There is no incorrect way to read this book. This is a novel for adults.

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Princemoore Family History

   December 30, 2024

The Princemoore family has a long and influential history in White River City, marked by wealth, philanthropy, and significant contributions to the city’s development.

  • Origins and Early Wealth: The Princemoore family initially acquired their wealth during the Gold Rush in California. Ezekiel Princemoore invested his earnings in real estate, railroads, coal, and oil, understanding that the prospect of gold would bring people to the West. His youngest son, Thadeus, was sent to set up operations in the Midwest.
  • Establishment in White River City: Thadeus chose White River City for its proximity to rail lines and canals. He purchased swampland east of the White River, drained it, and constructed Tymborlyn Manor, the family’s estate. He also developed the orchard and garden at Tymborlyn. When natural gas was discovered, Thadeus summoned his brothers to invest in factories. However, when the gas boom ended, his brothers left, and he left the family business to his son Abraham.
  • Philanthropy and City Development: The Princemoores have made numerous contributions to White River City, including:
    • Princemoore University: The family purchased land on the east side of the river to build a college, which became Princemoore University.
    • Princemoore Memorial Hospital: They also funded the construction of Princemoore Memorial Hospital to handle the growing population.
    • White River City Business Complex: They funded the construction of the White River City Business Complex, a 15-story tower later renamed the Raymond Princemoore Building after Raymond Princemoore’s murder.
    • Tymborlyn Estate: The estate includes a wildlife preserve and the manor and was a place for family gatherings and public events.
  • Family Lineage and Divisions:
    • Thadeus Princemoore: He was the son of Ezekiel and established the family in White River City. He had a son Abraham, and retired early, traveling the world until his death.
    • Abraham Princemoore: He took over the property when his father retired and had three children: Alexander, Morris, and Paulina. He died at the age of 46.
    • Alexander Princemoore: He took over the Tymborlyn property after his father died and his wife was Talia Princemoore.
    • Morris Princemoore: He built his own estate, Umberland Fields, and acquired large amounts of farmland. He later capitalized on the suburban boom of the 1950s, selling off his land to developers, and invested the money into the stock market.
    • Paulina Princemoore: She married a German banker and died during the Dresden bombings of WWII.
    • Raymond Princemoore: He was Talia and Alexander’s only son and died unmarried and childless. The family renamed the White River City Business Complex after him when he was murdered.
    • Karl Princemoore Jr.: He is the father of Peter and Scott. He owns Princemoore Builders and is a majority shareholder in Princemoore Financial Partners.
    • Peter Princemoore: Karl’s son, is a vice-president in both Princemoore Builders and Princemoore Financial Partners, but he is mostly involved in networking and making backroom deals. He also frequents Caligula’s Parlor. He is known for getting into trouble and has a long history with Detective Tranche.
    • Scott Princemoore: Peter’s older brother and the star in Karl Jr.’s eyes.
    • Rebecca Princemoore: Daughter of Talia and Alexander and married to Carey Porter, with no interest in the family business.
  • Tymborlyn Manor: This estate has been in the family for generations. It is now managed by Princemoore University and the White River Historical Society after the death of Talia Princemoore.
  • Current Influence: The Princemoores are the wealthiest family in White River City, with the exception of the Stones. They hold significant power and influence, and their name is associated with many of the city’s prominent institutions and businesses.
  • Nick Stone: Nick Stone is the great-grandson of Talia Princemoore and Alexander Princemoore, and who is also a descendant of Jefferson Stone, one of the city’s first mayors.

The Princemoore family’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of White River City. They are a family that shaped the city’s growth through investment and philanthropy, and their legacy continues to influence the area.