He was the son of Lothar II, Count of Stade, and Swanhild of Saxony.
[1] Henry is recorded as a cousin of Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, but their exact relationship remains a mystery.
Henry was also appointed Count of Heilangau, the ancient capital of Stade, in 959.
Apparently, when Henry’s father died in the Battle of Lenzen, the county of Stade was taken by Wichmann the Elder and his two sons, not to return to the family of Lothar until 967.
Henry married first Judith von der Wetterau (925-973),[1] sister of Conrad I, Duke of Swabia.