John Heinlen

This 1826 Holy Bible, signed by Captain John Heinlen, journeyed westward with Heinlen beginning in Ohio in April 1852 as he led a wagon train to California. Heinlen, a German immigrant and early settler of the Santa Clara Valley, became one of the region’s wealthiest citizens. His legacy, however, is most remembered for his courageous stand following the 1887 arson destruction of San José’s Chinatown. Despite widespread anti-Chinese sentiment, Heinlen leased his land to displaced Chinese merchants and fought city opposition to help rebuild the community, later known as Heinlenville.

His bravery and compassion—despite death threats and legal battles—cemented his place in local history. In 2023, San José honored Heinlen’s legacy with the opening of Heinlenville Park, featuring historical tributes and public art. At the ribbon-cutting, historian Connie Young Yu emphasized Heinlen’s legacy as a symbol of compassion and moral courage.

The Bible, bearing Heinlen’s signature, stands as a powerful emblem of his pioneering spirit—a personal testament to his enduring values and unwavering commitment to justice and inclusion. Though his story is seldom found in textbooks, his legacy lives on, continuing to inspire future generations.